Yoshihiro Kaiya
Representative Director, NPO Japan Barrier-Free Association

As an individual with severe muscular dystrophy, I have been waiting and hoping for a smart speaker. This is a device that can perform all basic operations by using only voice commands. In addition, by linking this with a device called a smart remote control, all-electric appliances that have the function of an infrared remote control can be operated.

This so-called environmental control device, which is a support device, is finally available as a general-purpose product since about four years ago. If one has Wi-Fi, it costs less than 10,000 yen to buy both devices.

Also, compared to the products I have been using for 20 years, the accuracy of voice recognition has improved significantly, so I can now operate them smoothly.

For example, a common scene.

"Alexa, turn on the lights" "Mr. XX, give me a T-shirt" "Alexa, a remote control for home appliances. Mr. XX, prepare for going to the bathroom. Set heat at 25 degrees." While speaking this way, I can now use an electric wheelchair to move about so I can proceed with life’s endeavors one after another. I can operate TVs, air conditioners, lights, home theaters, electric blinds, and office doors in this way.

Operate my computer while lying down. I have been using smart speakers (on the right in the photo) for the past 20 years, and the accuracy of voice recognition has improved dramatically.

The cordless mouse is a general-purpose product. I can operate a computer with the slightest remaining hand power

Actually, as the representative director of an NPO I hire 20 staff members, and I have become accustomed to a life of “new normal” with a blending of work and housing for about 10 years. In addition, a personal computer can also be voice- operated while lying on a bed for the purpose of preventing the bending of joints and reducing fatigue.

If I look to the left of the bed, I can find the office, and if I look to the right, I can find the living room.

There are two doors that can be opened and closed between the bedroom and the office. One is a regular door which opens and closes. The other is an automatic door that opens and closes by voice command. During work, I leave the regular door open, but utilize the automatic door with voice commands at my convenience.

 "Open Sesame!"

When the door is open, I communicate with the staff, and when it is closed, I work using a personal computer with e-mail. For me, an individual who cannot move easily on my own, I can easily open and close the door using voice commands. This makes my life quite comfortable.

I think that voice recognition technology in the near future is important, and its development will greatly benefit individuals with physical impairments like me, the visually impaired, and even the elderly.

Currently, one can only dial a phone by speaking, but not actually answer a call. The basic software (OS) of the device can be done by speaking, but other software or applications can hardly be used. Infrared remote controls are not easy to use. Voice recognition technology itself is advancing day by day, and its usability is improving. I am looking forward to a more comfortable future.

Lifestyle of combining work and housing. The back of the photo is the office. In the foreground is the two doors between the bedroom (residence) and workspace.