Northampton graduate develops smart glasses for visually impaired people
The technology aims to make everyday life easier for visually impaired people
A Northampton graduate has turned a university project inspired by his own visual impairment into a technology business developing AI-powered smart glasses for blind and visually impaired people.
David Sikharulidze, founder and chief executive of Mavis Technologies, said his experience of living with high myopia motivated him to create products aimed at helping people live more independently.
He said the idea first began while studying for a master’s degree at the University of Northampton in 2021.
“After developing more than 30 fully working prototypes which were informed by client feedback, and working countless nights, we now have two fully working products, manufactured in the UK, here in Northampton.
“I realised this could be a product which could really help a lot of people.”
The company, based in Northampton, has developed smart glasses which use artificial intelligence to describe surroundings, recognise faces and help users navigate obstacles.
Sikharulidze said the glasses are tailored to individual users rather than being “designed for everyone”.
He explained users receive training after receiving the glasses so features can be customised to suit their needs. “We listen to them, ask questions about how they want the glasses to work, and we design them for each individual.” he added.
The entrepreneur said his own eyesight problems meant he understood some of the challenges faced by visually impaired people from a young age.
“There were lots of things I couldn’t really do,” he said.
“It made me understand how important independence is.”
The glasses include features such as scene description, obstacle detection, face recognition, navigation support and emergency calling functions.
Sikharulidze said feedback from users had helped shape the products. “That’s what gives us motivation,” he said.
“They are happy when their feedback is implemented into the glasses and they see new features being added.”
The company currently operates from Vulcan Works in Northampton and manufactures its products locally. Sikharulidze said support from the University of Northampton and the local community played a big part in helping launch the business.
“When I was at the very early stage, we received lots of support from the local community.” he said.
He added that Mavis Technologies hoped to expand further, with plans to develop additional products for people with conditions such as glaucoma and peripheral vision loss. The company eventually aims to grow across Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.
Sikharulidze said the technology was designed not only to help users themselves, but also their families.
He said: “When someone loses their sight, they lose their independence. So, if they can do more things independently, it also helps the whole family.''
He also encouraged students with business ideas not to give up, even if they lacked confidence.
“If the product can really make a change in someone’s life, they should continue developing it.''