Breakthrough: China unveils AI eyes for the blind to move independently and safely
Imagine a world where people who cannot see can still move around confidently without any self-doubt or fear. That world isn't far away with the arrival of AI.
According to a study published in Nature Machine Intelligence, researchers from China unveiled a new wearable AI system that empowers blind and visually impaired individuals to navigate easily and independently. The system provides real-time guidance to users with a combination of video, vibrations, and audio prompts.
The AI system includes a camera, an AI processor, and bone conduction headphones. The system is mounted between the user's eyebrows. The camera captures the live footage instantly for the AI system to analyze. Then, short audio cues are delivered directly through the headphones, without blocking ambient sounds.
A team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed the system. Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, East China Normal University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology at Fudan University.
'This research paves the way for user-friendly visual assistance systems, offering alternative avenues to enhance the quality of life for people with visual impairment,' the team wrote.
Lead researcher Gu Leilei, an associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasised the team's commitment to making the system as practical and easy to use as possible.
"This system can partially replace the eyes,' he said.
'Lengthy audio descriptions of the environment can overwhelm and tire users, making them reluctant to use such systems,' Gu told The South China Morning Post.
'Unlike a car navigation system with detailed directions, our work aims to minimise AI system output, communicating information key for navigation in a way that the brain can easily absorb,' Gu said.
The equipment is lightweight and compact in design, meaning it can be worn all day without any discomfort, allowing users to move naturally without feeling burdened.
The system has been tested indoors with 20 visually impaired volunteers. After just 20 minutes of practice, most of the users could operate it with ease, according to the study.
The process to set a destination is also quite simple. Users issue a voice command, and the AI finds a safe route, offering only essential prompts along the way. It's currently trained to identify 21 objects, including beds, chairs, tables, sinks, televisions, and food items.
Researchers are planning to expand these capabilities further. Gu said the team's next focus is to refine the system for outdoor environments, where navigational challenges are far more complex. Enhancements could include improved object detection, dynamic route adaptation, and integration with real-world GPS systems.
This AI-powered wearable system may offer a new level of autonomy with further developments, and with that, confidence to millions of visually impaired people to be independent worldwide.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Yahoo
Astrophysicists Discovered Strange New Objects in Our Galaxy ‘Unlike Anything Else'
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: The Central Molecular Zone, spanning 700 light-years across the heart of the galaxy, contains a majority of the dense gas in the Milky Way. While analyzing this region with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international team of scientists discovered a slew of strange "slim filaments" unassociated with star-forming regions. The filaments are likely part of what the researchers call "space tornadoes," which distributes material throughout the CMZ efficiently. It's been little more than half a century since scientists first proposed that a supermassive black hole lies at the heart of the Milky Way. And in the decades since, we've discovered a remarkable amount about our particular corner of the universe—but there's always more to learn. One area that remains a particular mystery is the Central Molecular Zone, or CMZ, which stretches some 700 light-years across at the heart of the galaxy. This region contains roughly 80 percent of all dense gas in the Milky Way, which—according to the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics—accounts for about tens of millions of solar masses of material. Home to giant molecular clouds and numerous star-forming clusters, the CMZ is a swirling mystery, and there is no other place in the galaxy like it. Now, a new study—led by a team of astrophysicists drawing upon data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile—is adding another curiosity to this already head-scratching region of the galaxy: unexpected 'slim filaments' that have left astronomers guessing at their origin. Details of this surprising discovery were published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. An array of 66 radio telescopes located under the remarkably clear skies of the Chajnantor Plateau in the Atacama Desert, ALMA (as its name suggests) is particularly well suited to examining the CMZ thanks to its high angular resolution and its ability to trace certain molecules found in abundance in this region of space. Among those molecules is silicon oxide (SiO), which serves as a tracer for shockwaves in the CMZ. By tracing the spectral lines of SiO, astronomers can better understand this chaotic environment—and, as it turns out, discover previously unknown filament structures. 'SiO is currently the only molecule that exclusively traces shocks, and the SiO 5-4 rotational transition is only detectable in shocked regions that have both relatively high densities and high temperatures,' Kai Yang, lead author of the study from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said in a press statement. 'This makes it a particularly valuable tool for tracing shock-induced processes in the dense regions of the CMZ. When we checked the ALMA images showing the outflows, we noticed these long and narrow filaments spatially offset from any star-forming regions. Unlike any objects we know, these filaments really surprised us. Since then, we have been pondering what they are.' Using the SiO emission lines (along with those of eight other molecules), the astronomers confirmed that their velocities were inconsistent with outflows, show no association with dust emission, and are in hydrostatic equilibrium—a delicate balance between gravity and pressure. All these anomalous findings, packaged alongside insights like 'unlike any objects we know, ' inspire fantasies of massive alien structures hiding out in the heart of our galaxy. But the astronomers have a more science-based explanation, and it is no less mesmerizing. 'We can envision these as space tornados: they are violent streams of gas, they dissipate shortly, and they distribute materials into the environment efficiently,' Xing Lu, a co-author of the study from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, said in a press statement. 'Our research contributes to the fascinating Galactic Center landscape by uncovering these slim filaments as an important part of material circulation.' The authors theorize that these filaments may be part of a depletion-replenishment cycle at the heart of our galaxy. First, shock waves create these filaments. Then, as these filaments dissipate, they 'refuel' shock-released material in the CMZ and freeze back into dust grains. As scientists delve deeper into the mysteries of these filaments—and if they're as widespread as this particular ALMA sample would suggest—then we may have uncovered an important cyclic process that lies at the heart of our galaxy. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Business Upturn
26-05-2025
- Business Upturn
ASC25 Student Supercomputer Challenge: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Crowned Champion; Peking University Earns Silver
Beijing, China: The finals of the ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge (ASC25) successfully concluded at Qinghai University in Xining, China. Following five days of rigorous competition, the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University emerged as the champion, while the team from Peking University secured the silver prize, both demonstrating outstanding competence in high-performance computing and scientific problem-solving. More than 300 university teams from around the world registered for ASC25. Following a preliminary selection round, 25 teams advanced to the finals held at Qinghai University—marking the geographically highest-altitude venue in the history of the ASC competition. In the final round, participating teams were required to design and deploy small-scale supercomputing clusters, each constrained by a 4,000-watt power consumption limit. Within these clusters, teams executed and optimized internationally recognized benchmark tests, HPL and HPCG. Additionally, they applied performance optimization strategies to a suite of advanced scientific and engineering applications, including acceleration for AlphaFold3 inference and RNA 5-methylcytosine modification site detection, as well as DeepSeek inference and cosmic neutrino detection simulations. Teams were further assessed through English-language oral defenses presented before a jury composed of more than ten internationally renowned experts in high-performance computing and scientific applications. Furthermore, the 25 finalist teams were randomly assigned into five groups for the Group Competition, where they collaborated across institutions to address a complex scientific challenge: numerical simulation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate. As anticipated, the final round of the competition was marked by exceptional intensity and high-level performance. The 25 finalist teams demonstrated excellence across a range of evaluation criteria, including system architecture design, power efficiency, application performance optimization, collaborative problem-solving, and oral defense presentations. Their collective pursuit of innovation and technical advancement contributed to a truly remarkable and impactful event. The team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University demonstrated comprehensive capabilities, delivering strong performances in multiple tasks such as AlphaFold3 inference optimization, DeepSeek inference, and cosmic neutrino detection simulation. Their results reflected a deep understanding of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing systems, and interdisciplinary scientific applications, as well as superior optimization skills—culminating in their attainment of the overall championship. Meanwhile, the team from Peking University delivered outstanding results in RNA 5-methylcytosine modification site detection and DeepSeek optimization, earning them the silver prize. In the designated task for the e Prize Challenge—AlphaFold3 inference optimization—the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University implemented comprehensive system-level and algorithmic optimizations. These included framework migration, refinement of matrix algorithms, task decomposition, parallel computing strategies, and communication acceleration. As a result of these efforts, they successfully achieved efficient multi-node inference of AlphaFold3 on a general-purpose CPU-based cluster. Their outstanding performance secured the highest ranking in this challenge and earned them the prestigious e Prize. A group comprising students from Sun Yat-sen University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Fuzhou University, and National Taiwan University demonstrated exceptional coordination and exemplary inter-institutional collaboration. Their joint efforts resulted in the highest score in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate simulation challenge. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the team was collectively awarded the Group Competition Award. Teams from Zhejiang University, Fuzhou University, and Qilu University of Technology were awarded the Application Innovation Award in recognition of their outstanding performance in specific competition challenges and their innovative approaches to application-level problem-solving. Jack Dongarra, Chair of ASC Advisory Committee, Turing Award winner, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Tennessee, stated: 'The ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge is not just a competition, but a platform connecting global students, mentors, and industry leaders—where knowledge, creativity, and cutting-edge technologies ignite new possibilities. The fascination with emerging technologies, the fearless courage to tackle complex challenges, and the spirit of cross-border collaboration demonstrated by young participants all fuel students' drive to explore, innovate, and ultimately achieve personal breakthroughs.' Shi Yuanchun, President of Qinghai University, stated: 'The competition is a premier platform for young students around the world to push the boundaries of computing and explore the frontiers of science and technology. It also serves as a bridge for mutual learning among civilizations. By hosting the ASC25 finals, Qinghai University has delivered a powerful message to the world—vibrant, rigorous, pragmatic, and driven toward progress. Looking ahead, Qinghai University will collaborate with global partners to address major scientific challenges, drive breakthroughs in cutting-edge supercomputing technologies, and unleash innovative momentum on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.' View the ASC25 Video here About ASC The ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge serves as a platform to promote the exchange and development of young talent in supercomputing worldwide, with support from experts and institutions across Asia, Europe, and America. The competition aims to elevate the application and R&D capabilities in supercomputing, harness its technological driving force, and foster innovation across science, technology, and industry. Since its inception in 2012, ASC has attracted tens of thousands of university students from six continents, solidifying its status as the largest university-level supercomputing competition globally. To discover more about this impactful endeavor, visit the website View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Associated Press
26-05-2025
- Associated Press
ASC25 Student Supercomputer Challenge: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Crowned Champion; Peking University Earns Silver
BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2025-- The finals of the ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge (ASC25) successfully concluded at Qinghai University in Xining, China. Following five days of rigorous competition, the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University emerged as the champion, while the team from Peking University secured the silver prize, both demonstrating outstanding competence in high-performance computing and scientific problem-solving. More than 300 university teams from around the world registered for ASC25. Following a preliminary selection round, 25 teams advanced to the finals held at Qinghai University—marking the geographically highest-altitude venue in the history of the ASC competition. In the final round, participating teams were required to design and deploy small-scale supercomputing clusters, each constrained by a 4,000-watt power consumption limit. Within these clusters, teams executed and optimized internationally recognized benchmark tests, HPL and HPCG. Additionally, they applied performance optimization strategies to a suite of advanced scientific and engineering applications, including acceleration for AlphaFold3 inference and RNA 5-methylcytosine modification site detection, as well as DeepSeek inference and cosmic neutrino detection simulations. Teams were further assessed through English-language oral defenses presented before a jury composed of more than ten internationally renowned experts in high-performance computing and scientific applications. Furthermore, the 25 finalist teams were randomly assigned into five groups for the Group Competition, where they collaborated across institutions to address a complex scientific challenge: numerical simulation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate. As anticipated, the final round of the competition was marked by exceptional intensity and high-level performance. The 25 finalist teams demonstrated excellence across a range of evaluation criteria, including system architecture design, power efficiency, application performance optimization, collaborative problem-solving, and oral defense presentations. Their collective pursuit of innovation and technical advancement contributed to a truly remarkable and impactful event. The team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University demonstrated comprehensive capabilities, delivering strong performances in multiple tasks such as AlphaFold3 inference optimization, DeepSeek inference, and cosmic neutrino detection simulation. Their results reflected a deep understanding of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing systems, and interdisciplinary scientific applications, as well as superior optimization skills—culminating in their attainment of the overall championship. Meanwhile, the team from Peking University delivered outstanding results in RNA 5-methylcytosine modification site detection and DeepSeek optimization, earning them the silver prize. In the designated task for the e Prize Challenge—AlphaFold3 inference optimization—the team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University implemented comprehensive system-level and algorithmic optimizations. These included framework migration, refinement of matrix algorithms, task decomposition, parallel computing strategies, and communication acceleration. As a result of these efforts, they successfully achieved efficient multi-node inference of AlphaFold3 on a general-purpose CPU-based cluster. Their outstanding performance secured the highest ranking in this challenge and earned them the prestigious e Prize. A group comprising students from Sun Yat-sen University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Fuzhou University, and National Taiwan University demonstrated exceptional coordination and exemplary inter-institutional collaboration. Their joint efforts resulted in the highest score in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau climate simulation challenge. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the team was collectively awarded the Group Competition Award. Teams from Zhejiang University, Fuzhou University, and Qilu University of Technology were awarded the Application Innovation Award in recognition of their outstanding performance in specific competition challenges and their innovative approaches to application-level problem-solving. Jack Dongarra, Chair of ASC Advisory Committee, Turing Award winner, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Tennessee, stated: 'The ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge is not just a competition, but a platform connecting global students, mentors, and industry leaders—where knowledge, creativity, and cutting-edge technologies ignite new possibilities. The fascination with emerging technologies, the fearless courage to tackle complex challenges, and the spirit of cross-border collaboration demonstrated by young participants all fuel students' drive to explore, innovate, and ultimately achieve personal breakthroughs.' Shi Yuanchun, President of Qinghai University, stated: 'The competition is a premier platform for young students around the world to push the boundaries of computing and explore the frontiers of science and technology. It also serves as a bridge for mutual learning among civilizations. By hosting the ASC25 finals, Qinghai University has delivered a powerful message to the world—vibrant, rigorous, pragmatic, and driven toward progress. Looking ahead, Qinghai University will collaborate with global partners to address major scientific challenges, drive breakthroughs in cutting-edge supercomputing technologies, and unleash innovative momentum on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.' View the ASC25 Video here About ASC The ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge serves as a platform to promote the exchange and development of young talent in supercomputing worldwide, with support from experts and institutions across Asia, Europe, and America. The competition aims to elevate the application and R&D capabilities in supercomputing, harness its technological driving force, and foster innovation across science, technology, and industry. Since its inception in 2012, ASC has attracted tens of thousands of university students from six continents, solidifying its status as the largest university-level supercomputing competition globally. To discover more about this impactful endeavor, visit the website View source version on CONTACT: Media contact [email protected] KEYWORD: CHINA ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING OTHER TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE MANUFACTURING HARDWARE UNIVERSITY SCIENCE EDUCATION OTHER SCIENCE SOURCE: ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/25/2025 09:03 PM/DISC: 05/25/2025 09:02 PM
