CES 2024, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, was held in Las Vegas from January 9 thru 12, 2024. The event showcased the latest innovations and trends in various fields, such as digital health, wearable technologies, accessibility and more. Among the thousands of products and solutions that were displayed, some of them were specifically designed to help the visually impaired and other disabled people improve their lives and overcome their challenges.
In this article, we will review the top 10 technologies that were presented at CES 2024 for people who are blind or visually impaired, based on popularity, engagement online interest and awards received or nominated for. We will also provide some information about each product, such as what it is, how it works, how it may be beneficial, company info and more.
10. Glide
Glide is a mobility aid that uses a patented technology called GlideCore to create a magnetic field around the user’s body. The field helps the user move forward by repelling any objects in their way, such as chairs or tables. The device also has sensors that detect obstacles and adjust the speed accordingly. Glide is designed to help the visually impaired and other people with mobility issues walk more confidently and independently.
Glide is developed by Glide Technologies, a startup based in San Francisco, California. The company was founded in 2022 by a team of engineers and designers who wanted to create a better solution for mobility than traditional wheelchairs or walkers. Glide received mixed reviews from users and experts, who praised its innovative concept but criticized its high price, limited battery life, and potential safety issues. Glide is expected to be available in the market by the end of 2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
9. GUIDi
GUIDi is an AI smart belt that guides the visually impaired by using dual wide-angle cameras, a customized edge AI module with sensor integration, a haptic navigation system, and voice command. The device works with a mobile app that features voice command support and over-the-air updates. GUIDi is designed to help the visually impaired navigate safely and conveniently to any destination, indoors or outdoors.
GUIDi is developed by GUIDi Technologies, a startup based in Seoul, South Korea. The company was founded in 2021 by a team of engineers and entrepreneurs who wanted to create a smart wearable device that could provide guidance and assistance to the visually impaired. GUIDi was nominated for the CES 2024 Innovation Award in the Human Security for All category, but did not win. It also faced some competition from other similar products, such as .lumen Glasses and Hearsee Mobility. GUIDi is expected to be available in the market by mid-2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
8. ViXion01
ViXion01 is a pair of lightweight glasses with a sensor that measures the distance to what you are focusing on, and then adapts the lens so that you can see it more easily. The glasses are designed for people who need to improve their vision, such as those with presbyopia or astigmatism. ViXion01 is designed to help the visually impaired and other people with vision problems see better and more comfortably.
ViXion01 is developed by ViXion, a company based in Paris, France. The company was founded in 2020 by a team of opticians and engineers who wanted to create a smart eyewear solution that could adjust to the user’s needs and preferences. ViXion01 was one of the CES 2024 Innovation Award honorees in the Digital Imaging/Photography category, but did not receive much attention or coverage from the media or the public. ViXion01 is expected to be available in the market by early 2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
7. Lighthouse Tech LTH01
Lighthouse Tech LTH01 is a pair of glasses that use ultrasound and optical sensors to detect objects and warn the user through vibrations on the temples. They are water-resistant, impact-resistant, and come in various styles. Lighthouse Tech LTH01 is designed to help the visually impaired and other people with low vision avoid obstacles and navigate safely.
Lighthouse Tech LTH01 is developed by Lighthouse Tech, a company based in Tel Aviv, Israel. The company was founded in 2019 by a team of engineers and entrepreneurs who wanted to create a simple and effective device that could help the visually impaired and other people with low vision live more independently. Lighthouse Tech LTH01 was one of the CES 2024 Innovation Award honorees in the Wearable Technologies category, and received some positive feedback from users and experts, who liked its simple design and functionality. Lighthouse Tech LTH01 is expected to be available in the market by mid-2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
6. OOrion
OOrion is a smartphone app that lets you find and locate objects and text in your environment using augmented reality. The app uses your phone’s camera and GPS to overlay information on your field of view. It can help you navigate safely and independently. OOrion is designed to help the visually impaired and other people with low vision find and locate objects and text in their environment.
OOrion is developed by OOrion Technologies, a startup based in San Francisco, California. The company was founded in 2023 by a team of engineers and designers who wanted to create a smart app that could provide visual assistance and information to the visually impaired and other people with low vision. OOrion was one of the CES 2024 Innovation Award honorees in the Software & Mobile Apps category, and also won the Best of CES 2024 People’s Choice Award, which was voted by the online audience. It also generated some buzz on social media and online forums. OOrion is available for download on the App Store for free.
5. Hearsee Mobility
Hearsee Mobility is a smart cane that communicates with RFID tags embedded along walkways and provides step-by-step audio directions to specific places inside buildings, as well as descriptions of their surroundings, to visually impaired individuals. The cane works with a smartphone app that allows the user to explore new indoor environments like schools and stores independently. Hearsee Mobility is designed to help the visually impaired and other people with low vision navigate indoors more easily and confidently.
Hearsee Mobility is developed by Hearsee Mobility, a nonprofit organization based in St. George, Utah. The organization was founded in 2018 by a team of engineers and volunteers who wanted to create an indoor navigation system for the visually impaired and other people with low vision, in collaboration with the blind community. Hearsee Mobility was one of the CES 2024 Innovation Award honorees in the Accessibility category, and also received the Best of CES 2024 Accessibility Award, which was selected by a panel of judges from CNET. It also attracted some media attention and interest from potential partners and customers. Hearsee Mobility is expected to be available in the market by late 2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
4. FINTIN V1
FINTIN V1 is a smartphone Bluetooth QWERTY communicator for the visually impaired developed by Korean startup ONECOM. It uses Structured Mini QWERTY technology, which modularizes 36 keys into 6 keys. This technology enables blind typing, which allows the user to type without looking at the keys in a mini QWERTY size that fits in one hand. It also has dedicated keys for screen readers such as VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android), along with haptic feedback, enabling visually impaired users to access the full range of smartphone functions without the need for manual operation. FINTIN V1 is designed to help the visually impaired and other people who do not know how to use braille, as well as those who prefer QWERTY keyboards over braille keyboards.
FINTIN V1 is developed by ONECOM, a startup based in Seoul, South Korea. The company was founded in 2022 by a team of engineers and entrepreneurs who wanted to create a smart QWERTY communicator for the visually impaired and other people who do not know how to use braille. FINTIN V1 won the Best of Innovation award for the most innovative product in the Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps category at CES 2024, and also received rave reviews from users and experts, who praised its ease of use, versatility, and affordability. FINTIN V1 is expected to be available in the market by early 2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
3. OneCourt’s haptic mini-field
OneCourt’s haptic mini-field is a lap-top miniature field that lets blind fans follow the game by touch. It uses 40 vibration motors to simulate the movements of the players and ball in near real time. It won the Best of Innovation award for the most innovative product in the Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps category at CES 2024, and also received the Best of CES 2024 Sports Award, which was selected by a panel of judges from ESPN. It also generated a lot of excitement and curiosity from sports fans and media outlets.
OneCourt’s haptic mini-field is developed by OneCourt, a company based in New York, New York. The company was founded in 2023 by a team of engineers and sports enthusiasts who wanted to create a device that could bring the thrill of sports to the blind and visually impaired community. OneCourt’s haptic mini-field is compatible with most sports, such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and hockey. It can also be customized to different levels of difficulty and preferences. OneCourt’s haptic mini-field is expected to be available in the market by late 2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
2. eSight Go
eSight Go is a camera-based eyewear system that captures the environment, then uses software to enhance it and projects it into OLED displays in front of each eye. The system is designed for people who have various eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or Stargardt’s disease. eSight Go is designed to help the visually impaired and other people with low vision see better and more comfortably.
eSight Go is developed by eSight, a company based in Toronto, Canada. The company was founded in 2006 by a team of engineers and vision experts who wanted to create a device that could restore sight to the legally blind. eSight Go is the latest version of their product, which is lighter, smaller, and more affordable than the previous models. eSight Go won the Best of Innovation award for the most innovative product in the Digital Health category at CES 2024, and also received the Best of CES 2024 Health Award, which was selected by a panel of judges from Engadget. It also received glowing testimonials from users and experts, who claimed it improved their vision and quality of life significantly. eSight Go is available for purchase on their website for $2,995 USD.
1. .lumen Glasses
.lumen Glasses is a headset that uses LiDAR sensors and haptic feedback to guide the visually impaired to any destination. The headset works with a smartphone app that allows the user to set a destination and get directions through vibrations on the temples. The sensors also detect obstacles and warn the user through different patterns of vibrations. The headset is designed to be a digital alternative to traditional white stick canes and guide dogs.
.lumen Glasses is developed by .lumen, a company based in Berlin, Germany. The company was founded in 2021 by a team of engineers and designers who wanted to create a device that could revolutionize the way the visually impaired and other people with low vision navigate the world. .lumen Glasses won the Best of Innovation award for the most innovative product in the Human Security for All category at CES 2024, and also received the Best of CES 2024 Innovation Award, which was selected by a panel of judges from CTA. It also received widespread acclaim and admiration from users and experts, who hailed it as a game-changer and a breakthrough for the visually impaired community. .lumen Glasses is expected to be available in the market by mid-2024, but no pricing is listed yet.
These are some of the most amazing and innovative technologies that were presented at CES 2024 for people with visual impairment. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and discovering how these products and solutions can enhance your vision and enrich your life.
If you have any comments or questions, please send your emails to: tim@lifeafterblindness.com