Artificial Vision-Tech: OrCam’s MyEye 2.0 device to empower people who are blind or partially sighted

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Melbourne: We take our ability to read for granted and use this crucial skill a thousand times a day: reading, emails, documents, labels, door signs, smart phones, indicator boards…

But imagine if you could not read? How would you cope in the modern world?

Accessing all the information we are presented with each day is becoming increasingly challenging for people with a vision or reading disability such as dyslexia. In employment, education and in daily life, obtaining information easily, and as we need it, is vital.

A seminar in Rockhampton introduces OrCam MyEye 2.0 with a presentation by Peter Cracknell from OrCam’s Australia and New Zealand distributor Quantum RLV. Peter will discuss the latest technology developments and product features with a hands on demonstration.

Wireless, lightweight and about the size of a finger, OrCam MyEye 2.0’s breakthrough assistive technology instantly reads printed and digital text aloud: newspapers, books, restaurant menus, signs, product labels, computer and smartphone screens. The instant face recognition improves social situations and the identification of consumer products, colors and money notes provides a refreshing level of independence.

Magnetically mounted on the wearer’s eyeglasses or sunglasses frame and weighing less than an ounce, OrCam MyEye 2.0 is the only wearable artificial vision tech that is activated by an intuitive pointing gesture or simply by following the wearer’s gaze – allowing for hands-free use without the need of a smartphone or Wi-Fi.

OrCam was jointly founded in 2010 by Prof. Amnon Shashua and Mr. Ziv Aviram, who are also the co-founders of Mobileye, the collision avoidance system leader and autonomous driving innovator, which was acquired by Intel Corp. earlier this year for $15.3 billion.  The deal shook the global driverless car tech sector.

OrCam MyEye 2.0 is the culmination of intense research and development by leading minds in the Computer Vision and Machine Learning fields. Thousands of users around the world have adopted OrCam’s technology and rely on it in their daily lives. The second generation OrCam MyEye 2.0 will enable many thousands more to adopt this revolutionary device.

OrCam Australian distributor, Quantum’s Tim Connell  said “About one in seven Australians has some evidence of age related macular degeneration and this number will increase as Australia’s population ages in the absence of effective prevention and treatment measures. Our mission is to empower people who are blind, partially sighted, and have reading difficulties, including dyslexia and other conditions, to study, work, and live their lives with a high degree of independence,” continued Mr. Connell.

OrCam’s mission is to harness the power of artificial vision by incorporating pioneering technology into a wearable platform which improves the lives of individuals who are blind, partially sighted, and have reading difficulties. Powered by leading minds in the Computer Vision and Machine Learning fields, OrCam’s team includes dedicated software, computer and electrical engineers, hardware design experts, and a passionate customer service team – including sighted, low vision and blind members – to provide a visual aid through a discreet, wearable platform and easy-to-use interface.