Arrow backs .lumen AI glasses to guide blind users
Arrow Electronics has started working with Romanian startup .lumen on scaling production of a wearable device designed to guide blind and visually impaired people.
The product, called Glasses for the Blind, uses artificial intelligence and multiple cameras in a headset format. It provides real-time haptic feedback through directional vibrations.
.lumen said the device replicates key functions associated with a guide dog. The headset scans the surrounding environment and identifies obstacles. It also suggests a safe path through vibration cues.
On-device processing
.lumen said the navigation system runs locally on the device rather than in the cloud. The company said this design reduces latency and keeps the system independent from network connectivity.
The company positioned low latency as a safety requirement for navigation in changing environments. It cited examples, including crowded streets and indoor locations unfamiliar to the wearer.
CES recognition
.lumen recently exhibited at CES in Las Vegas. The company received recognition as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree in the Accessibility and Longevity category. It also won the CTA Foundation's pitch competition.
Arrow said it is providing engineering and supply chain services as .lumen increases manufacturing volumes. The work includes component selection and sourcing. Arrow also said it will assist with integration across the device's electronics.
The companies referenced a range of parts involved in the headset build. These include processors, cameras, sensors, and connectors.
Arrow also described support focused on inventory reliability and cost control. It said it will work on performance improvements for the wearable device.
Mobility projects
Arrow linked the work with .lumen to its broader activity in semi-autonomous mobility projects aimed at people with physical disabilities. Arrow cited its SAM Car programme as a previous example. The company described those vehicles as controlled by a quadriplegic race driver. Arrow said an AI model and electronics developed by its engineers formed part of that system.
"We are helping to create a device which will eventually make life better for millions of people," said Vitali Damasevich, Regional Director Of Engineering In Eastern Europe, Arrow Electronics. "At Arrow, we are committed to supporting the .lumen team to help ensure this breakthrough technology can be reliably and efficiently manufactured so it can get into the hands of those who need it most."
.lumen framed its product development around the limited availability of mainstream technology designed for people with disabilities.
"Growing up in a family where everyone but me had a disability, I realised how much technology can help people with disabilities, but also how rarely it's built for people with disabilities. I founded .lumen to solve this," said Cornel Amariei, Founder & CEO, .lumen.
Technology approach
.lumen said the Glasses for the Blind use its Pedestrian Autonomous Driving AI technology. The company compared the approach to autonomous driving systems used in cars, while focusing on pedestrian navigation.
"The Glasses for the Blind use .lumen's proprietary Pedestrian Autonomous Driving AI technology. It does everything a self-driving car does, but on the pedestrian side. The best part is this technology doesn't need any infrastructure change," said Amariei.
.lumen said it is taking orders for the device. The company described the product as a hands-free mobility aid aimed at visually impaired users and older adults.
The startup also outlined planned future software updates. It said one feature, called "Take Me", is intended to integrate with mapping services. The company said this would extend navigation beyond obstacle avoidance.
Arrow's involvement signals a move towards higher-volume production and broader component supply arrangements for the wearable. The companies said they will continue work on engineering and supply chain execution as .lumen expands manufacturing and delivers units to customers.