SmartAIs

SmartAIs is an innovative startup developing a digital assistant designed to aid blind and visually impaired individuals in navigating outdoor environments more safely and efficiently. The company's primary offering is a smartphone application that leverages artificial intelligence to detect and alert users to potential obstacles in their path.

Founded in 2024, SmartAIs is based in Germany and has quickly gained recognition in the health tech and assistive technology sectors. The company's core mission is to enhance the independence and mobility of visually impaired people through the use of cutting-edge AI and computer vision technologies.

The SmartAIs system consists of three main components: the smartphone app, a specialized carrying case, and bone conduction headphones. Users simply need to download the app to their iPhone, wear the SmartAIs carrying case, and connect their bone conduction headphones. This setup allows for hands-free operation and non-intrusive audio feedback, ensuring that users can maintain awareness of their surroundings while receiving guidance.

The technology behind SmartAIs draws from various fields, including robotics, autonomous driving, and computer vision. By adapting these technologies for use on mobile devices, the company has created a portable and accessible solution for obstacle detection and navigation assistance. The system is designed to provide real-time alerts about potential hazards, allowing users to move more confidently and avoid collisions or other difficulties.

SmartAis has received positive feedback from the visually impaired community. Judith Faltl, the State Chairwoman of the Bavarian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BBSB e.V.), praised the system for enabling a new way of walking, allowing for more relaxed movement without touching obstacles or being constantly interrupted.

The company's founding team brings together a diverse set of skills and experiences. Sascha Preget, the CEO, is responsible for partner networks and financing. As a serial entrepreneur, he brings valuable experience in developing impactful ideas into sustainable businesses. Yamen Mohisn, the CTO, oversees the development and implementation of the technology strategy, combining expertise in robotics, computer vision, and AI. Said Derbel, a co-founder focusing on technology, applies concepts from AI, autonomous driving, and computer-based vision to small devices. Anika Watzka, co-founder for product and design, ensures that user needs are aligned with business requirements through her background in human-computer interaction.

SmartAIs has garnered significant support and recognition in its early stages. The company secured the prestigious EXIST Startup funding grant, providing a year of full funding to develop their ideas further. Additionally, SmartAIs was selected as one of the top 10 startups for the Health-i Award 2024, highlighting its potential impact in the healthcare and assistive technology sectors.

As SmartAIs continues to develop and refine its technology, the company aims to play a crucial role in leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the lives of the blind and visually impaired community. With its innovative approach and dedicated team, SmartAIs is poised to make a significant impact in the field of assistive technology for visual impairment.

Key words: digital assistant, blind, visually impaired, navigation, obstacle detection, artificial intelligence, computer vision, smartphone app, assistive technology, mobility aid, health tech, startup, EXIST grant, Health-i Award.