Be My Eyes Integrates AI in its Application to Help the Visually Impaired

Be My Eyes, a popular application that connects visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers, is expanding its capabilities by integrating AI tools to assist the estimated 2.2 billion visually impaired people globally. Hans Jorgen Wiberg, a visually impaired Danish furniture craftsman founded the app in 2015. Currently, the app has over 6 million volunteers who offer invaluable assistance with daily tasks such as catching the right train or selecting the right shoe via live video calls.

Be My Eyes uses AI alongside human volunteers

The new AI feature has been in its second phase of testing. It works alongside human volunteers, providing an empowering experience for users, as it ensures their privacy and independence. According to Brian Fischler, one of the 100 testers, the AI tool is life-altering, allowing him to perform various tasks like reading menus and locating items in a supermarket. He also explaned that all he has to do is take a picture and ask a question, and the bot will describe what it sees.

Another user, Hassan from Jordan, expressed his satisfaction about the conducts of the volunteers. According to him, they are patient and provide all the help he needs son the platform.

“Be My Eyes makes your life easier. The assistance or the point of this application really excited me. The volunteers are really adorable. I mean, they are patient, and patient, and patient. When I ask for anything, they understand exactly what I want!” 💙 pic.twitter.com/dbgxeWMT7z

— Be My Eyes (@BeMyEyes) April 26, 2023

When will the updated version be available?

Mike Buckley, the CEO of the app, stated that the updated version of the Be My Eyes application is not yet available for public use but is expected to launch in a few months. He emphasized that the AI tools would not replace human volunteers completely. Instead, they will work together in an equal ratio, ensuring users’ continued human connection while benefiting from the privacy and efficiency that AI offers.

The integration of AI tools in Be My Eyes is a significant step towards improving accessibility for the visually impaired. With the app’s expansion and future developments, the visually impaired community can have an improved and more independent lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Be My Eyes