ARIA offers smart glasses that use on‑device computer‑vision and edge AI to detect objects, depth and semantics, converting the visual scene into real‑time binaural audio cues aligned with head movements. The continuous 3‑D sound map enables blind and low‑vision users to navigate, identify obstacles and recognize people without visual input, supporting independent mobility. The frames are lightweight, prescription‑compatible and connect via BLE to existing assistive‑technology ecosystems.
Funding
$1.4M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
People with vision disabilities lack reliable, real‑time environmental feedback, making navigation, object identification, and spatial awareness difficult and limiting personal independence.
Solution
ARIA provides a pair of smartglasses that employ spatial computing and on‑device AI to capture visual scenes and translate them into a three‑dimensional auditory representation. The system generates continuous binaural audio cues that convey the shape, location, and identity of surrounding objects and people, allowing users to build a mental map of their environment without sight. Audio output is synchronized with the wearer’s head movements, delivering dynamic, low‑latency feedback that supports safe navigation and interaction. The glasses retain a conventional eyeglass appearance, enabling discreet use in everyday settings.
Target Audience
The primary customers are blind and low‑vision individuals seeking independent mobility, as well as rehabilitation centers, vision‑disability NGOs, and assistive‑technology providers that equip users with advanced sensory augmentation tools.
Features
- Integrated computer‑vision pipeline (object detection, depth estimation, semantic segmentation) running on edge AI hardware for real‑time scene analysis
- Binaural spatial audio engine that renders 3‑D sound cues corresponding to detected contours, obstacles, and moving entities
- Continuous head‑tracked audio updating to maintain accurate spatial orientation as the user turns or moves
- Voice‑controlled interface for mode selection, volume adjustment, and contextual queries without requiring manual input
- Lightweight, prescription‑compatible frame that looks like standard eyeglasses while housing processing units and microphones
- Secure on‑device data handling with encrypted transmission only for optional cloud‑based analytics or firmware updates
- Compatibility with assistive‑technology ecosystems through standard Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity