Presenting My Research at AAATE 2025 in Cyprus

This September, I had the opportunity to present my research on AI-powered distraction detection in guide dogs at the AAATE 2025 Conference — one of the leading international gatherings for assistive technology. The event took place at the European University of Cyprus in Nicosia, and it was the first time I presented my work in front of an academic audience.

The Session

I was part of a special thematic session called Innovations in Mobility and Participation. There were about 40-50 people in the room, including researchers, technologists, and practitioners from across Europe. The format was a 15-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A.

Learning from Others

I wasn’t alone in the session there were six other presenters tackling related challenges in accessibility and mobility. Some highlights included:

• A project on how trust impacts adoption of new technology by visually impaired individuals

• A novel haptic cane designed to help visually impaired users locate entrances

• Several other innovations that, like mine, aimed to improve independence and participation

Hearing these talks reminded me that while my research was focused on guide dogs, it’s part of a much larger global effort to make the world more accessible.

What I Took Away

Presenting in front of researchers and answering their questions pushed me to explain my work clearly and show why it matters. More importantly, it gave me a glimpse into what it feels like to be part of a research community working at the frontier of human-centered technology.

Walking out of that room, I felt proud, not just because my presentation went well, but because I got to contribute to a conversation about building a more inclusive future.

Curious about the details of the project I presented? Check out my earlier post: AI Research on Guide Dogs