For the first time in South African history, blind people can now read text, recognise faces, navigate their surroundings, and receive real-time descriptions of their environment thanks to the Envision Smart AI Glasses.
The Envision Glasses use artificial intelligence (AI) to empower blind and visually-impaired users with the ability to read printed and digital text, recognise faces, navigate environments and access real-time descriptions of their surroundings, all through discreet audio feedback.
High-definition camera
At the core of the Envision Glasses is a high-definition camera embedded in lightweight frames built on the Google Glass platform. The camera captures visual data, be it a printed page, a street sign or a face and AI algorithms process the information instantly.
The glasses provide real-time audio feedback through integrated speakers positioned near the ear. This allows users to read printed and digital text via Instant or Scan Text mode. It also lets users recognise faces to identify peers, lecturers, or family and navigate spaces. by identifying entrances, staircases, signage and obstacles; and to find objects or people, assisting with locating personal items or connecting in busy spaces.
This initiative was made possible mainly through the efforts of the UKZN Foundation who approached assistive technology provider Sensory Solutions (Pty) Ltd to donate these glasses to the University’s Disability Support Unit (DSU).
Bright Sello is one of the five students who received AI Glasses.
He is partially blind: “I struggled to navigate the academic environment and lectures were particularly daunting for me. For the first time, I feel like I won’t be left behind. And I can do things on my own, read my notes and slides in the lecture hall and recognise my friends.
Life-changing
“I finally have control. I often sat in class unable to follow along because I couldn’t read what was on the screen. And I couldn’t see what the lecturer was pointing to.
“I had to rely heavily on classmates or tutors after hours to help me catch up, which made me feel like I was always lagging behind. Now, I won’t have to depend on others all the time. It’s not just about being able to see the material, it’s about regaining my independence, dignity and the confidence to fully participate in my own education,”
The head of Disability Support Unit at UKZN, Amith Ramballie told Sunday World that these glasses give a discreet audio feedback which enables the person to do pretty much everything independently.
“The impact of the glasses extends far beyond the classroom. Imagine being able to read a printed timetable independently for the first time, confidently find your way to a lecture venue or recognise your lecturer or classmates in a crowd. These simple yet powerful moments are what Envision Glasses make possible.
Advanced assistive technology
“The glasses will also enable students to participate more confidently in group projects and seminars. With tools like Ally, the glasses can assist in real-time interpretation and engagement during fast-paced discussions.
“UKZN is proud to lead the way in implementing advanced assistive technology that speaks to the needs of our diverse student body. These glasses not only reflect our commitment to accessibility but also our belief in every student’s right to learn, grow and succeed independently.
“This milestone is particularly significant because no other university in South Africa currently offers students access to this device. While wearable assistive technology has existed for years, previous models were often more expensive or lacked functionality and reliability.”
Each pair of glasses costs about R75 000 and comes with lifetime software updates and technical support.
