Revolutionary Wearable Helps the Visually Impaired “See” with AI
Shopping for groceries can be a real struggle for people with visual impairments. Can’t read the labels? No idea what that bright, colorful box is? A team of Singaporean researchers has your back with a groundbreaking new invention. They’ve developed a wearable device called AiSee.
What is AiSee ?
AiSee is a wearable like headset that uses amazing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to basically act as an “eye” for visually impaired individuals.
How does AiSee work?
- Snap a pic: The user just holds up an object (think a can of soup) and activates a tiny built-in camera.
- AI brain kicks in: AiSee’s powerful AI software gets to work analyzing the image, figuring out what the object is.
- Talk it out: Instead of glasses, AiSee uses a special headphone that transmits sound through your cheekbones. This way, it discreetly “tells” you what you’re holding, and can even answer your questions about it!
No more awkward smartphone pairing like other gadgets. AiSee is completely self-contained.
Goodbye Guessing, Hello Independence
“We wanted AiSee to feel natural and easy, instead of using obvious glasses that many visually impaired people don’t like wearing,” explains Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the project’s head researcher. “Our goal is to give users more independence.”
The team sees great potential for AiSee to break down barriers and offer visually impaired individuals the ability to go about their daily tasks without needing constant assistance.
The Road Ahead
The AiSee team is already working to make their AI assistant even better and more affordable. Thanks to a generous donation from B.P. De Silva Holdings Pte Ltd and their partnership with SG Enable (an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities), they’re getting the support needed to get AiSee into the hands of those who need it most.
This kind of tech is the future and shows what AI can do to create a more inclusive and accessible world!
