Creative minds, inventors, and business leaders converged together once more in January 2026 for the annual CES Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation Health Innovation Challenge in Las Vegas, Nevada. This exclusive event included the Digital Health Summit, where attendees came to share and discover the innovative technologies being developed to tackle some of the world’s biggest health equity issues.
The runner-up winner of the CTA Foundation Health Innovation Challenge is Lotus, which received a $15,000 prize that was partly sponsored by Ability Central. At the 2025 CES conference, Lotus won the Eureka Park Accessibility Award and had the distinct opportunity to meet the legendary musician, Stevie Wonder.
Founder and CEO, Dhaval Patel, says, “It felt great to return to CES this year for the Health for All Innovation Challenge — this time focused on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” For the conference this year, the creative team from Lotus presented their design, the Lotus Ring, which is a wearable ring that can control objects around your home with the simple point of your finger.
About Lotus and Its Founder
The beginnings of Lotus starts with Patel, who is an electrical and aerospace engineer by training and a former Apple Senior Manager who managed an organization for iPhone, Watch, and AirPods with 37 patents under his belt.
Patel asserts that the mission of Lotus is to “build technology usable by everyone, by designing for disability first.”
Born with twisted knees, Patel’s own mobility was deeply affected throughout much of his life as he spent a lot of time using crutches. As the story goes, and one he shares on the About Us section of Lotus’ website, Patel went to bed one night and forgot to turn off the lights. He was too exhausted to get up from the bed to turn them off, so he simply went to sleep with the lights on all night. However, he woke up tired and frustrated the next morning. But an idea came to him then that if someone like him doesn’t have a smart home technology at home, then who really does?
Thus, the Lotus Ring was created as a way to create a smart home without needing a smart home. The Lotus Ring is a tool of personal control that can be used in just about any setting you’re in and is usable by all kinds of individuals with mobility issues, hearing and vision loss, and other disabilities.
One of the main goals in the creation of the Lotus Ring and the innovations that drive the team at Lotus is to, as Patel states, “build things that continue helping people even after we’re long gone.”
The Power of One Ring
So how exactly does the Lotus Ring work? Well, the Lotus Ring looks much like any other ring you may see or wear. The Lotus Ring simply fits over your pointer finger (some people can use their toes!) with the button facing your thumb and the black infrared (IR) window aligning with your knuckle.
Next, you need to place the magnetic Lotus Switch Cover over any wall switch in your home that you want to control. The beauty of the Lotus Switch Covers being magnetic eliminates any need for rewiring or additional wiring connections! Make sure the Lotus Switch Cover snaps into place.
Then, just point and click! Point the Lotus Ring in the direction of the switch that you want to control.
How Does the Lotus Ring Help You?
One Lotus Ring can control an infinite number of devices and any device can be controlled by any ring. Another amazing thing about the Lotus Ring is that it does not require any Wifi or an app to use or any complicated setup to get it started.
That means, it is completely transportable and can be taken with you wherever you go, whether on vacation, business trips, or when visiting friends and family. Plus, the Lotus Ring and the Lotus Switch Cover only require charging just a few times a year and only up to one hour of charging is needed each time.
Take a look and see the Lotus Ring in action here in this quick video.
With its portability, the Lotus Ring is designed for long lasting personal comfort, months-long battery life, and accessibility. It is lightweight and waterproof, which should give you some peace of mind.
It allows you to operate and control devices around your home without the need to physically move. You can control lights, ceiling fans, the TV, and now even doors, from up to 30 feet away.
Lotus provides many real-world examples on its website. Patel takes to heart knowing that users’ immediate responses to using the Lotus Ring “is what made us realize we made us realize we may have built something that is truly helpful.”
Take a look at actual testimonies and experiences from individuals using the Lotus Ring technology and how it has helped them for the better.
Anne H, who has Multiple Sclerosis and suffers from chronic pain
Marc and Tyler, a father and son who share their story
Alex, a wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury
Marcy and Troy, a mom and her son, who uses a wheelchair
A Lotus Ring user trying it with her toe!
Availability & Pricing (as shared by Lotus)
Lotus currently offers the Lotus Ring as a kit priced at $399, which includes one ring, three magnetic switch covers, and a charging platform with cord.
The ring comes in three sizes (8, 10, 12) and three finishes (Graphite, Rose Gold, Silver). Switch covers are available for both rocker and toggle styles. During checkout, buyers can also select their TV brand for compatibility.
For those who prefer to start smaller, Lotus also lists individual items for purchase, including the ring ($199) and additional switch covers ($75).
Why This Matters
Looking ahead, innovations like the Lotus Ring point to a future where accessibility is built into everyday environments instead of added as an afterthought. Tools that reduce the need for physical effort and complicated setup can make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate daily routines with more independence, comfort, and dignity at home and beyond. Ability Central is proud to help uplift and support disability-first solutions like Lotus that expand real-world access and move us closer to a more inclusive world for everyone.
Want to support more work like this? Explore Abilty Central’s homepage and consider a donation.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
