VisionIQ - A Novel Multi-Model AI Approach for Visual Impairment

Overview

2.2 billion people worldwide live with vision impairment, yet no existing assistive device offers a true level of independence in real-world conditions. VisionIQ is an AI-powered wearable built for $210 CAD, running entirely offline with no phone, screen, or internet required. VisionIQ operates through three modes: Active Mode continuously monitors surroundings, proactively warning about nearby obstacles unprompted. Read Mode reads any printed text aloud. Chat Mode enables open-ended conversation and scene description entirely on device. The system was designed end-to-end, the electrical schematics in KiCad, custom 3D-printed housing enclosure in Fusion 360, and a novel priority-queue multiprocessing architecture coordinating 7 specialized neural networks across all 4 CPU cores. Every model was individually benchmarked. All navigation-critical modes complete <1s, with wake detection as fast as 211ms. VisionIQ was tested with visually impaired users, who confirmed it addresses gaps no existing assistive device has closed. All-in-one. Real-time. Offline. Secure. Hands-free. Affordable. VisionIQ.

Awards (2)

• Special Award
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Digital Technology

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