Artificial intelligence ‘smart glasses’ for blind showcased in Glasgow

Smart glasses that use artificial intelligence to help blind and partially-sighted people were showcased in Glasgow earlier this month.

The OrCam MyEye, developed by Israel-based firm OrCam, uses AI built into a smart camera on a wearer’s glasses and can recognise text from newspapers, street signs, supermarkets and other sources, relaying it back to the user through a built-in earpiece.

The system also includes facial recognition software and can recognise names and faces from previous meetings.

“OrCam’s mission is to harness the power of artificial vision to improve the lives of people who are blind and partially sighted,” said Eliav Rodman, director of marketing at OrCam Technologies. “MyEye is the most advanced technology providing visual aid through a discreet, wearable platform and easy-to-use interface.”

The glasses were displayed at TechShare Europe, organised by sight loss charity RNIB in the Glasgow Science Centre, an event aimed at demonstrating the revolution- ary potential of new technology.

Other innovations were a driverless car that steers by a 360-degree sensor system and an electronic braille-dot display that puts information at your fingertips. Speakers from technology giants Apple, Samsung, Google and Microsoft were also on the bill to talk about how they could enhance the accessibility of their products.

Steve Tyler, head of solutions, strategy and planning at RNIB, said: “TechShare is already Europe’s lead- ing accessible technology conference and this year’s is set to be the biggest one yet. The event regularly brings to Glasgow leading technology professionals from across the globe along with people from health and social care, housing, transport, education and leisure.

“Improving accessibility for blind and partially-sighted people to everyday products and activities is the hallmark of RNIB and it is great that the world’s biggest technology companies are helping to lead the way in making that happen.”