What it does
Thirdeye is an AI-powered companion that brings confidence, freedom, and safety to the blind and vision impaired. It overcomes mobility barriers with voice guidance, smart sensing, user comfort, and advanced safety features.
Your inspiration
One day, we saw a blind man struggle to cross a crowded street. He hesitated, unsure of the world around him, relying only on his stick and instinct. That moment stuck with us. I realized how much confidence and independence we take for granted. I kept thinking—what if technology could be a true companion, not just a tool? That’s when the idea of Thirdeye was born: a smart, AI-powered guide to help the visually impaired navigate safely, comfortably, and fearlessly. I wanted to build not just a device, but a bridge to freedom, dignity, and equal access to the world.
How it works
Thirdeye is a smart mobility device designed for the blind and visually impaired to ensure safe, independent navigation. It uses Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors to detect nearby obstacles. For smarter movement, AI-powered computer vision models recognize objects like doors, stairs, or people, allowing users to move more confidently. The device provides voice instructions and vibration feedback, and comes with a Braille manual and a prerecorded audio guide. It connects to a mobile app for real-time location sharing, emergency alerts, and health monitoring features such as pulse and temperature tracking for family members and caregivers. A compact, foldable chair is integrated into the design, offering the user a safe place to rest anytime, anywhere. Thirdeye merges AI, embedded systems, and ergonomic design into a reliable assistive companion.
Design process
The design journey of ThirdEye began with a basic prototype using ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection. Early user trials revealed issues with accuracy and range, especially for detecting elevated or narrow objects. Based on this feedback, we updated the system with Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for more precise distance measurement. Next, users expressed the need for rest support, leading us to integrate a two-legged foldable chair. However, stability was a concern. We responded with a more balanced three-legged chair design, which users found safer and more comfortable. At this stage, we also added a stick locator system and automatic light system. As safety needs grew, users requested emergency and tracking features. We introduced an SOS button, GPS, and GSM module, also fall alert detection along with a mobile app for real-time location sharing and alerts. Continued feedback pushed us toward smarter navigation, so we integrated AI-powered computer vision to detect doors, stairs, and people. Every feature in ThirdEye evolved directly from real-world user needs and feedback, shaping it into a truly intelligent mobility companion.
How it is different
Existing mobility devices for the visually impaired often focus on narrow functions—some offer only ultrasonic-based obstacle detection, others rely heavily on smartphone integration, while a few provide limited object recognition. Most lack real-time AI processing, physical comfort, or health features. ThirdEye combines ToF sensors for precise detection with AI computer vision to identify objects like doors, stairs, and people. It uniquely includes a foldable three-legged chair, addressing fatigue—a feature rarely considered. Safety is enhanced with fall detection, SOS alerts, and health monitoring. Unlike devices requiring external attachments, ThirdEye is compact, integrated, and user-ready. It supports users with voice and vibration feedback, a Braille manual, audio onboarding, and an app for real-time tracking and emergency communication.This multi-featured design makes ThirdEye a truly inclusive, all-in-one solution.
Future plans
We plan to develop an Development Board with integrated AI and efficient processing, along with on-device model training, power optimization, and a lightweight, durable build. A user-friendly interface will enhance accessibility. On the business front, we aim to launch through NGOs, blind schools, and rehabilitation centers. We’ll pursue government grants, explore social impact funding, and initiate small-batch manufacturing. Our long-term goal is to scale globally through affordable pricing, open distribution channels, and strong after-sales support.
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