Breakthrough wearable tech to be showcased in Glasgow

Wearable technology that can recognise faces and tell a wearer who they are talking to will be showcased at a technology conference in Glasgow this month.

The AI powered glasses, which have been developed by OrCam, are believed to hold great potential for blind and partially sighted wearers, offering them artificial vision. The device will be on display at the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) Techshare event at the Glasgow Science Centre on 15–16 September.

The technology features a built in miniature smart camera, which sits on the frame, that is able to convert visual information into spoken word. In addition, the OrCam device is able to read printed text, relaying it to the wearer through a built-in mini speaker. Added functionally also enables the device to recognise faces and products.

Director of marketing at OrCam, Eliav Rodman, who will be on-hand during the two day event to demonstrate the tool, said: “Pioneered by leading minds in the computer vision and machine learning fields, the OrCam is an intuitive visual aid provided through a discreet, wearable platform and easy-to-use interface.”

Other companies showcasing products at Techshare that are designed to make the lives of blind and partially sighted people easier include Samsung and Google.

Speaking about the event, head of solutions, strategy and planning at the RNIB, Steve Tyler, said: “Techshare is Europe’s leading accessible technology conference and this year’s event is set to be the biggest one yet. The conference regularly brings together the leading technology professionals from across the globe, along with people from health and social care, housing, transport, education and leisure.”

Mr Tyler added: “Improving accessibility to everyday products and activities is the hallmark of RNIB and it is great that the world’s biggest technology companies are helping to lead the way in making that happen.”

For more information about Techshare and to book a place, visit the the RNIB website.