Innovative Device Seekr Enhances Life for the Visually Impaired
date
Dec 1, 2024
damn
language
en
status
Published
type
News
image
https://www.ai-damn.com/1733027569411-6386847819184277969703211.png
slug
innovative-device-seekr-enhances-life-for-the-visually-impaired-1733027578560
tags
Seekr
Visually Impaired
Assistive Technology
Vidi Labs
Innovation
summary
Vidi Labs has introduced Seekr, a matchbox-sized device designed to assist visually impaired individuals by providing real-time audio descriptions of their surroundings. The device, inspired by the founder's personal experience, offers several scene modes and has won a CES 2025 Innovation Award, representing a significant technological advancement for accessibility.
Introduction
In a remarkable advancement for accessibility technology, Hong Kong startup Vidi Labs has unveiled Seekr, a compact device intended to significantly improve the lives of visually impaired individuals. Designed to fit in a matchbox, Seekr serves as a sophisticated tool that provides real-time audio descriptions of the user's environment, effectively acting as a pair of "smart eyes".
Origin Story
The concept for Seekr emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when founder Turzo Bose observed that his visually impaired grandfather was unable to receive live descriptions from family members due to social distancing restrictions. This personal experience inspired Bose to develop a device that could bridge the gap between the visually impaired and their surroundings, leading to the creation of Seekr.
Features and Functionality
Seekr distinguishes itself with its innovative features. Users can activate the device with a simple press, allowing it to instantly interpret and describe the world around them. The device is equipped with:
- A depth-sensing camera
- A microprocessor
- A battery
- A Bluetooth module
Through a companion smartphone app and Bluetooth headphones, Seekr offers four distinct scene modes:
- Scene Mode: Provides descriptions of the immediate environment, such as “There are two people sitting on a bench in front of you.”
- Depth Mode: Guides users in reaching for target objects, enhancing spatial awareness.
- Supermarket Mode: Identifies products, stating whether an item is “bread” or “an apple.”
- Text Mode: Reads text from signs, menus, and product packaging aloud.
This versatility allows users with partial vision to utilize the app and camera directly, broadening its accessibility to a wider audience, including the elderly.
Awards and Pricing
Seekr's innovation has been recognized with the CES 2025 Innovation Award, underscoring its potential impact in the assistive technology sector. The device is priced at approximately $770, which includes a one-year subscription to the app, making it a substantial yet valuable investment for enhancing the quality of life for visually impaired users.
Conclusion
Seekr represents not only a technological breakthrough but also a vital connection between visually impaired individuals and the world around them. Its small size belies the profound change it can bring to the lifestyle of its users, highlighting the warmth and potential of technology to transform lives.
Key Points
- Vidi Labs has launched Seekr, a device for visually impaired individuals.
- The device offers real-time audio descriptions through various modes.
- Seekr won the CES 2025 Innovation Award and is priced at $770.
- Inspired by personal experiences, it aims to enhance accessibility for all.