Scientists in China have developed groundbreaking glasses designed to help blind people navigate their surroundings without relying on guide dogs, canes, or human assistance. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have mounted a compact computer, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) software, on a Google smart glasses prototype that was discontinued in 2023. These glasses use AI algorithms to survey the environment and send real-time signals when the wearer approaches obstacles or objects, enabling a safer and more independent experience for blind individuals.
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The AI system works by capturing images of the environment, which are processed by a small computer attached to the glasses. When the user approaches an object, such as a chair, the glasses update the information continuously, guiding the wearer step by step towards their target. The attached computer is about the size of a credit card, ensuring the device remains unobtrusive and practical for daily use. In addition, the researchers developed ‘synthetic skin’, a material with built-in sensors that notify the user of nearby obstacles.
To further enhance navigation, the system uses bone conduction technology to send alerts directly to the inner ear through vibrations in the skull. This approach allows the wearer to hear instructions even if their ear canal is blocked. The synthetic skin is thin and flexible, measuring just 0.1 to 0.2 mm in thickness, and while it isn’t directly connected to the AI system, it plays an essential role in ensuring the user’s safety.
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With over 30 million people in Europe estimated to be partially sighted or blind, according to the European Blind Union, the technology aims to address the limitations of existing devices, which can be both costly and cumbersome. Current methods, such as guide dogs, can cost up to €60,000 to train, while the new system provides a more affordable alternative. The development represents a major step forward in improving the independence of visually impaired people, and the team behind the project hopes to make the technology even more accessible, possibly by integrating a smaller camera into contact lenses in the future.
