Bob Larson
Worldwide, over 300 million people struggle to perform daily tasks, from crossing the road to reading a book, due to blindness and visual impairment. A new wearable device for the blind and visually impaired people uses artificial intelligence to analyze data from micro cameras and sensors. The small headband and pocket computer device is being developed by two Italian entrepreneurs called Horus, after the Egyptian god.
Horus is a wrap-around headband equipped with two cameras to watch for what’s in front of the user. The images seen are narrated through earpieces including bone conduction The audio from the device does not interfere with surrounding noise and also does not disturb other people.
The device can recognize what and who the user is looking at, can describe visuals in great detail, and can even build a list of contacts based on facial detection. The device can also read books, describe objects, photos, and landscapes, or even read street signs. It can give visually-impaired people independence in navigation and mobility by having better 3D imaging that can promptly alert the user of obstacles and directions.
Horus is also accessible to the hearing impaired. Since the bone conduction technology does the work of the ear drum, if the hearing impairment stems from the external ear, the device will operate just as it does for the non-hearing impaired. They have also developed an interface to connect with hearing aid systems.
Horus is expected to cost around USD $2,000. Horus is testing the device worldwide, but expected to be on the market this year. If interested, visit their website at www. horus.tech. This is another great use of technology helping the human population!
~ Bob Larson is a technologist and Marketing Director for 50 Plus