Aira.IO uses Google Glass to help visually impaired users navigate
Aira.IO announced it has raised $790,000 in a small seed round, led by Lux Capital and ARCH Venture Partners. The company’s device leverages Google's smart-eyeware, Glass, to help blind and visually impaired users to navigate. The startup also announced that it has completed a multi-site beta trial with 100 participants, testing the assistance of blind users navigate busy streets, shopping and using public transport. 

Aira.IO, a digital health company that’s using Google Glass and other smart glass products to help blind and impaired users navigate, has completed a multi-site beta trial with 100 participants and has also raised seed funding, according to a company statement.

It developed a dashboard that connects Google Glass and the perspective of the wearer to a group that functions like a mission control to provide live assistance including certified agents, family, friends and volunteers. It provides live data streams from cameras, GPS, and other sensor systems from wearable platforms.

The trials were structured so that they represented an array of typical tasks that users might carry out. They included navigating busy city streets and intersections; locating and identifying canned goods in a kitchen; selecting clothing in a simulated department store setting; shopping at a supermarket, ordering a beverage at a coffee shop, and traveling by foot and public transportation to specific locations, according to the statement.

The organizers noted the length of time it took users to complete tasks and the level of difficulty, success and confidence users had in completing activities with and without assistance from the company’s dashboard.

The company also closed a seed round of $790,000 led by Lux Capital and ARCH Venture Partners. The company expects to debut its technology platform to the public in the middle of 2016.

“Assistive technology is one of the most challenging fields in science today – encompassing such diverse fields as artificial intelligence, computer engineering, cognitive science, health sciences, and mobility and orientation training, ” said Aira Executive Chairman Larry Bock. He said its technology could transform the lives of the 20 million Americans with vision disabilities.

In addition to Google Glass, Aira also works with smart glass producer Vuzix.

Introducing Aira (5-min Version) from Aira on Vimeo.