High-Tech Eyes

Abstract

This article provides an overview of high-tech sensors, visual detection software, and mobile computing power applications, which are being developed to enable visually impaired people to navigate. By adapting technology developed for robots, automobiles, and other products, researchers and developers are creating wearable devices that can aid the visually impaired as they navigate through their daily routines—even identifying people and places. The Eyeronman system, developed by NYU’s Visuomotor Integration Laboratory and Tactile Navigation Tools, combines a sensor-laden outer garment or belt with a vest studded with vibrating actuators. The sensors detect objects in the immediate environment and relay their locations via buzzes on the wearer's torso. OrCam’s, a computer vision company in Jerusalem, team of programmers, computer engineers, and hardware designers have developed MyEye device, which attaches to the temple of a pair of eyeglasses. The device instructs the user on how to store items in memory, including things such as credit cards and faces of friends and family.