Overview
Invention: AI-enabled VisionPro glasses by Mr. Muneer Khan to aid visually impaired individuals.
Features: Real-time object detection, facial recognition, text-to-speech, and obstacle identification.
Unveiling: Scheduled at IIT Bombay TechFest from December 17-19.
Impact: Aims to improve the quality of life for India’s 35 million visually impaired people.
Background: Mr. Khan’s previous innovations include a smart water bottle and a soil testing device, earning him the Young Scientist Award 2024.
To improve the quality of life and aid visually impaired people, a young talent of UP – Mr. Muneer Khan, founder of Cadre Technologies Services Limited, invented AI enabled The VisionPro glasses.
“This invention aims to be a beacon of hope for millions of people to regain light. The AI-enabled VisionPro eye-glasses are a groundbreaking assistive device for visually impaired individuals, aiding them in their day-to-day lives and work. Integrated with sensors, cameras, Nvidia Jetson processors, LiDAR technology, and AI model computation, the glasses provide real-time interpretation of the environment and surroundings. When worn, the AI-enabled glasses help identify faces, differentiate between medicines and food items, assist in detecting obstacles while walking, alert users to risks while mapping surroundings, and read and interpret printed materials. This feature allows users to navigate unfamiliar environments more safely and efficiently. It was a unique experience and opened a world of opportunities in biomedical engineering and assistive technologies. My personal experiences at various organizations for the visually impaired inspired me to focus on sensor technologies and come up with a device for them.”
-Mr. Muneer Khan
Benefits
Integrated artificial intelligence to provide real-time object detection, facial recognition, and text-to-speech capabilities.
The glasses can identify obstacles, distinguish medicines from food items, and read printed text using an embedded speaker or bone conduction technology.
The Vision Pro is set to be unveiled at IIT Bombay TechFest from December 17 to December 19.
Current Status of Visually Impaired People in India
India has an estimated 35 million visually impaired people, which is 2.55% of the total population.
India has an estimated 4.95 million blind people, which is 0.36% of the total population.
More than one in four people aged 50 and older in India are visually impaired.
There are an estimated 0.24 million blind children in India.
11.75 million of the blind people in India live in rural areas.
females have a significantly higher risk of being visually impaired than males.
More than 90% of the world’s visually impaired live in developing countries like India.
Children with visual impairment are less likely to enroll in school than children without disabilities.
Only 13.9% of students who are blind or VI are considered adequately qualified for a four-year college experience.
A survey found that 43% of children with disabilities were planning to drop out of school due to difficulties.
Mr. Muneer’s previous projects
At Columbia, Khan developed a ‘smart water bottle- Hydrohomie‘, which detects dehydration levels and suggests immediate water intake.
Smart soil testing device for farmers in India which helps to detect presence and levels of micro-nutrients in soil within minutes.
His works earned him Young Scientist Award 2024 presented by Union Minister Hon’ble Mr. Nitin Gadkari.
Mr. Muneer’s Life
Born into a humble family in Kheri Gauriya Village, he lost his father when he was only 1yr old. He was raised by his mother and four elder brothers. He completed his primary education at Govt. School of his village. Later he was enrolled at the Birla Institute of Applied Sciences, Uttrakhand. He completed his research internships in France and Russia. He completed his master’s from Columbia University.
The Medical Bulletin
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