The idea is simple: a blind person hangs a bag with a viewing window around their neck that contains a smartphone. Modern mobile phones now not only have camera but also LiDARs. These sensors - supported by artificial intelligence - can precisely identify and locate obstacles in a blind person's path. Depending on whether an obstacle is on the right or left, for example, on pavement, the mobile phone sends a sound to the user's right or left ear. 

Autonomous driving for walking blind people

Last year, the founders of SmartAIs spoke to almost 150 blind people to find out what the pitfalls of everyday life are for them. And it turned out that e-scooters, bikes, and other objects on pavements were a danger repeatedly. This is because the cane does not always hit the obstacle. Another realization: many blind people have good smartphones. ‘So why not use familiar technologies, such as autonomous driving or robotics, to help blind people?’ the start-up founders asked themselves. 

Long-term goal: Insurers include the product in the catalog of medical aids

Following funding from AI+Munich and an EXIST grant from the Federal Ministry of Economics, the team of four is continuously developing the original idea into a finished product. Their workplace is located on the premises of the TUM Venture Labs. The advantage for SmartAIs is that they not only have access to laboratories and technical equipment but also have the opportunity to present themselves at trade fairs and events – a good chance to build up a network in the industry. The business case behind their idea: up to 200,000 people in Germany alone could benefit from such a technology. Firstly, the solution has to be approved as a medical device – and it has to be profitable. ‘A subscription model is conceivable,’ says co-founder Preget, ’but it would be best if the health insurance companies were to include our product in the catalog of medical aids.’ Then, this digital support would become a health insurance benefit.

Blind app enters the Apple test flight

Technically, things are going well. An ‘Apple test flight’ will be launched. An app will then be available for the first active testers, who only need an iPhone of a certain generation. They will then be able to download an app and use the system. After SmartAIs recently won the Mobility Prize awarded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport in the Transformation and AI category, SmartAIs was overwhelmed by requests from blind people who wanted to participate in the test run. The start-up plans to launch its first digital assistant product for blind people in the second half of 2025.

Further information: https://www.smartais.de/

Text: Andreas Schmitz