# Assessing AI-enabled Mobility Aids for Persons with Visual Impairment

- Date: 2026-08-04
- Added: 2026-09-04
- Who: Ms Diana Pang Li Yen · Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M
- Source: https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-na-24050
- sgai: https://sgai.md/debates/written-answer-na-24050/
- License: sgai-authored content (summaries, translations, analysis) is CC BY 4.0 — attribute and link to sgai.md. Verbatim source text (Hansard, speeches, transcripts, policy documents) remains © its original rights holders and is reproduced for reference only. Terms: https://github.com/meltflake/sgai/blob/main/DATA-LICENSE.md

## Why it matters

AI mobility aids can be funded through the existing Assistive Technology Fund once a qualified healthcare assessor approves them, while SG Enable commits only to considering trials rather than a dedicated programme.

## Summary

PAP MP Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in a written question whether SG Enable would assess emerging AI-enabled mobility aids for persons with visual impairment, including robotic guide dogs and wearable AI navigation devices; whether safe and effective devices could be supported through existing funding schemes; and whether Singapore would facilitate trials of or access to suitable devices. Minister Masagos Zulkifli replied that SG Enable supports persons with disabilities in accessing assistive technologies that enable greater independence and mobility. The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides means-tested subsidies to acquire, replace, upgrade or repair assistive technology devices for purposes including education, employment, therapy and independence in daily living. As AI-enabled devices continue to develop, SG Enable will consider them as part of its broader efforts to promote assistive technology adoption, including exploring trials in partnership with community and industry partners to understand the suitability of these products in the local context. Devices assessed by a qualified healthcare professional assessor to be suitable for use by persons with disabilities can be supported under the ATF.

## Key points

- The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides means-tested subsidies to acquire, replace, upgrade or repair assistive devices for education, employment, therapy and independence in daily living
- SG Enable will consider AI-enabled aids such as robotic guide dogs and wearable AI navigation devices as part of its broader efforts to promote assistive technology adoption
- It will explore trials in partnership with community and industry partners to understand the suitability of these products in the local context
- Devices assessed by a qualified healthcare professional assessor as suitable for persons with disabilities can be supported under the ATF

## Full text

© Parliament of Singapore — reproduced for reference only.

74 Ms Diana Pang Li Yen asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether SG Enable will assess emerging AI-enabled mobility aids, including robotic guide dogs and wearable AI navigation devices, for persons with visual impairment; (b) whether safe and effective devices may be supported through existing funding schemes; and (c) whether Singapore will facilitate trials of or access to suitable devices.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M : SG Enable supports persons with disabilities in accessing assistive technologies that enable greater independence and mobility. The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides means-tested subsidies for persons with disabilities to acquire, replace, upgrade or repair assistive technology devices across a range of purposes, including education, employment, therapy and independence in daily living.

As artificial intelligence-enabled devices continue to develop, SG Enable will consider these as part of its broader efforts to promote assistive technology adoption. This includes exploring opportunities, such as trials in partnership with community and industry partners, to better understand the suitability of these products in the local context. Devices assessed by a qualified healthcare professional assessor to be suitable for use by persons with disabilities can be supported under ATF.