Introducing ACAI
Today, we are excited to officially unveil ACAI, a next-generation web accessibility testing technology. ACAI has been in development since late 2024 and will be freely available to all Accessibility Cloud users, including free accounts, starting in early 2026.
Since its inception, Accessibility Cloud has been the gold standard for web accessibility monitoring, trusted by organizations and monitoring agencies across Europe to conduct accessibility monitoring in their respective countries. ACAI builds on this legacy by delivering significantly higher WCAG coverage in real-world tests compared to existing engines.
What makes ACAI different?
ACAI introduces a new approach to automated accessibility testing. Unlike traditional engines, ACAI is AI powered and combines multiple components. One of these components is called the ACAI-engine, a new rule-based test engine developed by Accessibility Cloud that reflects our experience of monitoring countless websites. The combination of AI, ACAI-engine and other components enables ACAI to achieve broader WCAG coverage while retaining high accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the rollout work?
- If you already have an Accessibility Cloud account, you can switch from your current engine to ACAI once it becomes available in 2026.
- For new sites added after the release, ACAI will be the default test engine in Accessibility Cloud (unless you choose otherwise).
Will ACAI be free to use?
Yes. ACAI will be available at no additional cost, even for free accounts.
Can ACAI be used as a standalone product?
Yes. Later in 2026, ACAI will also be offered as an API, allowing you to test websites without using the Accessibility Cloud interface.
Will ACAI be open source?
No.
Will ACAI integrate with manual testing and auditing in Accessibility Cloud?
Yes.
Want to learn more?
Fill out the form and select “Newsletters” to receive updates about ACAI, including opportunities to become a beta tester for upcoming versions.