Ambientes inteligentes: o impacto do uso da tecnologia de assistente de voz em pessoas com deficiência física ou visual

Abstract

Voice Assistants (VA) are small devices that have artificial intelligence and can perform various activities by voice command. This technology has developed over the years and has been strengthened by the increase in the concept of “Internet of Things” (IoT). Due to the innovative characteristics of the voice assistant and because it is not used by a high percentage of the population, there not much explanation about its potential application in homes with people with disabilities. Motivated by the potential of this technology, the limitations that people with disabilities may have in routine activities, and the social impact it can provide, this study aimed to understand the use and influence of voice assistant technology as a residential intermediary in routine of people with physical or visual disabilities. To achieve the research objectives, an exploratory study was carried out with a voice assistant application for three weeks at the homes of 18 participants, which it was possible to test and use the equipment during this period. It was used semistructured interviews and focus groups for data collection. For data analysis a thematic analysis was performed as main data which reached seven main themes. As complementary data, quantitative data from the registration of the three weeks of use of the voice assistant were considered. The results of this research reveal collective and individual benefits from the use of technology, as well as the positive impact on the autonomy and independence of people with disabilities, in addition to being a facilitator in carrying out routine activities, bringing quality of life to these people. The results also present challenges and limitations of this technology, showing the importance and relevance of the topic of privacy and security of personal information when using a voice assistant. Additionally, this research describes contributions to theory and practice, as well as a framework showing a strong relation between voice assistant technology and Transformative Service Research (TSR).