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Lucknow: There’s a ray of light for those navigating the world in darkness. Muneer Khan, 28, from UP’s Lakhimpur Kheri, has developed a special pair of eyeglasses for the visually impaired.
The AI-enabled glasses, called VisionPro, aim to give visually impaired people a sense of understanding and virtual vision. “I hope that this invention emerges as a beacon of hope for millions of people to regain light,” says Khan, founder of a startup named Cadre Technologies Services Limited.
He has applied for a patent in India for his invention.
Supported by Columbia University and to be unveiled at the upcoming Techfest at IIT-Bombay on Dec 16-17, the AI eyeglasses, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, help users recognise common objects, identify obstacles, recognise faces, differentiate between medicines and food, and even read text aloud through an advanced small speaker or bone conduction device integrated into the frame.
“This feature allows users to navigate unfamiliar environments more safely and efficiently,” explains Khan, whose passion for assistive technologies was ignited during an internship at a research institute in France, where he worked on developing artificial limbs.
“It was a unique experience and opened a world of opportunities in biomedical engineering and assistive technologies. My personal experiences at various organisations for the visually impaired inspired me to focus on sensor technologies and come up with a device for them,” he says.
Khan, a graduate from Columbia University, says these are not mere spectacles; they are an intricate fusion of innovation and practicality designed to serve as eyes for those who need them.
Asked what sets them apart from other glasses, he says, “It’s their reliance on AI to interpret and understand the world around them.” He adds: “Whether avoiding an unexpected step-down or recognising the face of a loved one, these glasses strive to provide users with an enriched perception of their environment.”
Born in the small village of Gauriya in Lakhimpur Kheri, Khan is the youngest among five brothers. He lost his father when he was just one year old. Raised by his mother and supported by elder brothers, Khan grew up in a humble farming family.
Despite the challenges, his family believed in the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to provide him with opportunities to pursue his dreams.
After completing higher secondary school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication engineering from Birla Institute of Applied Sciences, Uttarakhand, before moving to Columbia University for masters in electrical engineering.
During his time at Columbia, he worked as a research assistant at the Columbia Laboratory for Unconventional Electronics (CLUE) on groundbreaking projects, including developing sensor interfacing circuitry for IoT-based gas sensing. Earlier in July, Khan was felicitated with the Young Scientist Award for his innovative soil monitoring devices that provide real-time soil analysis, helping farmers optimise crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
