Empowering the Visually Impaired with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Empowering Independence Through Innovation
Technology continues to evolve, opening doors for individuals with visual impairments to navigate the world with greater ease. The EMVI application, discussed in depth during our recent interview, represents a groundbreaking tool designed to simplify mobility and provide independence to users.
In this blog post, we dive into the unique features of EMVI, its development process, and the vision behind its creation. We'll also explore its practical applications and highlight key insights shared by its creators, Lorenzo Billiet and Haile Deltour.
The Best Use Cases for the EMVI Application
One of the things that stood out to me about EMVI is its ability to solve real, everyday challenges—especially those "last mile" moments that can be the trickiest to navigate. Whether it’s locating a building entrance or finding the right bus stop, EMVI offers real-time assistance using AI-powered image recognition and GPS.
Imagine standing at a busy bus station, unsure which stop is yours. With EMVI, you can snap a quick photo and ask, "Where is bus number 13?" Within seconds, the app analyzes the image and provides clear, actionable directions. It’s like having a trusted guide in your pocket.
But EMVI isn’t just for practical navigation. It also works as an art guide, helping users explore museums and galleries. It can identify artists, describe paintings, and even capture the emotions conveyed in artwork. It’s a reminder that accessibility isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about enriching experiences along the way.
Overcoming Challenges with Visual Input
I’ll admit, one of my first thoughts was—how does this work if you can’t see what you’re photographing? Lorenzo and Haile thought of that, too. They designed EMVI to make the process simple and stress-free. Users are encouraged to hold their phones at chest height and capture wide-angle shots. From there, EMVI’s AI does the heavy lifting.
What Makes EMVI Different?
What sets it apart is its simplicity and respect for privacy. Unlike other apps that require switching between modes, EMVI lets users take a photo and ask questions naturally, as if talking to a friend.
Privacy was another big focus. EMVI doesn’t store or share data. All images are analyzed in real time and deleted immediately afterward. For anyone hesitant about using AI due to privacy concerns, this was a refreshing detail.
A Development Journey Fueled by Passion
Hearing Lorenzo and Heidi’s story reminded me how innovation often comes from personal passion. Neither of them had an IT background, but what they did have was a vision and a drive to make life easier for visually impaired individuals. Over 18 months, they worked closely with users to test and refine EMVI. Gathering data from 850 people from all across the world.
A Step Forward: Advice from Lorenzo and Haile
When I asked Lorenzo and Haile what advice they had for educators and mobility specialists, their answer stuck with me.
An application will not replace the instructor. I think the next year there will be a lot of application technologies, things are helpful, just try to integrate them and then use it in a friendly way.
- Lorenzo Billiet
They stressed that EMVI isn’t meant to replace tools like white canes but to complement them. And while Lorenzo stressed the importance of our orientation and mobility specialists or just any educators out there. Haile advices to always be open to innovation.
Technologies like AI, create a vast potential for our learners with visual impairments to thrive and further close the gap from reaching their independence. And apps like EMVI prove that there are always new ways to help our learners to reach that potential. If you are interested in checking out EMVI, click this link.
Side Note: One of the most exciting parts of the interview was learning about their commitment to accessibility. To encourage feedback and adoption, they’re offering free access to EMVI for one year to all attendees of the upcoming O&M Symposium. It’s a generous offer, but more importantly, it’s an invitation to help shape the future of this technology.
So if you haven’t checked out what the 2025 International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium has to offer then click on this link to find out!
Topics: orientation and mobility, visually impaired, visual impairment, people with visual impairment, orientation and mobility specialists, orientation and mobility online symposium, orientation and mobility training, apps for the blind and visually impaired, mobility apps, artificial intelligence, AI, EMVI, assistive technology, assistive technology applications, innovation, mobility apps for the blind, mobility apps for the visually impaired, application development.