Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) engineer Jagadish K. Mahendran developed a backpack with artificial intelligence to help blind people when they move.
Digital Technology and AI
Digital technology is contributing to an improvement in the quality of life of people in many areas. Well-being, without a doubt, is the one that has the most solutions. However, there are other branches on which we must put a special focus. The best example of this is shown by the health of people with a disability or with a high probability of suffering from a disease.
Innovations in this field are mostly focused on programs based on artificial intelligence. For years, the creation of complex computer systems has made it possible to create patterns to help improve the situation of people with some other anomaly. Today we want to show you a new solution that will help people with visual disabilities.
Guide blind people with this special Backpack
This backpack has several elements to guide blind people although there are currently multiple solutions that help people to be self-sufficient and independent, the engineer Jagadish K. Mahendran wanted to introduce a very complete tool. For this, he has turned to the University of Georgia in order to have the necessary means to carry it out. As a result of the project, a backpack has been created.
Although it seems a somewhat rudimentary solution, the truth is that it hides state-of-the-art technology when it comes to artificial intelligence. In fact, the only purpose of the backpack is to transport luggage that is basically made up of a battery pack, a camera with specific qualities for this matter, and, of course, a differential switchboard.
Let’s see, therefore, how the technology produced by the developer works, what is its potential in the market, and, of course, to what extent an innovation of these characteristics can become standardized in the future. Are we facing a revolutionary system to improve the movements of blind people? Here are its capabilities.
GPS information and camera with obstacle detection
The backpack, in particular, serves, only to be able to carry everything necessary for the system, and can also serve as an additional load element. The basis of this technology lies in the provision of a Luxonis OAK-D camera, the control unit mentioned above, a set of conventional batteries, and, of course, a headset with a microphone connected by Bluetooth.
The camera has a number of novel qualities to make differentiation possible. This is attached to the front in order to film everything that happens around it. It is the one in charge of collecting information of interest. Either the presence of obstacles, people who are around, or, simply, the presence of intersections and various crossings.
This technology offers a host of solutions for 8 hours straight all the data goes to the control unit, in real-time, which manages everything that happens within a few meters in less than a second. In this way, it informs the user, through a series of voice commands, about the situation at all times. The system can analyze various scenarios, something that has been worked with special emphasis through artificial intelligence.
Regarding the battery that the product incorporates, it should be noted that it offers a range of up to 8 hours of theoretical use. In this way, it is possible to use it for several sessions without interruption. There are also smart bags powered by solar charges which is another sophisticated way to get energy easily.
Are we facing a differential technology in the market? The key lies, fundamentally, in the combination of the different elements that compose it.
A joint bet to be able to bring this product to the market
It is expected that over the next few months new innovation proposals can be promoted with the objective of standardizing products that may be widely accepted by certain groups. The fact is that not everything is as straightforward as it appears. Ahead there is a whole series of security tests by public bodies.
This example can explain the extent to which a person can sow the seed in creating an innovative project that enjoys the help of educational institutions. Important advances have been made in creating technologies that allow a better quality of life for people with disabilities.
Jagadish K. Mahendran succeeded in creating a solution for the visually impaired. To check the path of this technology we will still have to wait a while. It is hoped, however, to see more new developments such as this one, that would pay off in the future.