Inhwa Lee introduces iCAN, Cellico's AI-powered AR glasses system designed to support people with low vision in their everyday lives. The presentation covers the growing global demand for mobile assistive devices, explains the visual impact of glaucoma and AMD, and walks through how iCAN's four core technologies address these challenges.

The number of people with visual impairment is increasing worldwide, driven by aging populations and greater use of digital devices. Conditions like AMD and glaucoma are becoming more prevalent. While current medical treatments can slow disease progression, they cannot fully restore damaged vision – making assistive technology increasingly important. Traditional aids such as magnifiers, white canes, and guide dogs remain valuable but have limits in terms of mobility and real-time usability.

iCAN is a lightweight, wearable AR glasses system built on four core technologies:

Four main functions: magnification, OCR text reading, object recognition, and display modes (brightness, contrast, color filters, contour lines).

Controls: touchscreen, voice commands, or remote control.

Cellico has received the CES Innovation Award for three consecutive years as well as the Edison Award. iCAN holds KC, FCC, and CE certifications and is protected by patents in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China.

At this point in the presentation, Inhwa Lee played an approx. four-minute product video showing iCAN in real-life daily situations – reading text, recognizing objects, and navigating the environment. Please note: The video was played without audio and is not audible in this recording. The video image was visible to live Zoom participants but is not part of the available recording.

A second short video (an interview with an AMD patient recorded at the exhibition) was shown during the Q&A session and falls outside the published recording.

iCAN is currently available in Korea through government-funded assistive device programs. Cellico is actively seeking international distributors and business partners, particularly for the European market.

Regarding retinitis pigmentosa (RP): According to the presenter, iCAN is primarily optimized for AMD. For RP users, it may provide some benefit for nighttime object recognition, but is less suited to the typical RP visual profile.

Price? Distributor entry price: USD 2,400. Retail price may be higher after contract.

Battery life? Approx. 2 hours.

Can it be controlled via iPhone? No detailed information was provided on this point.

Is there a user manual? Currently only accessible to customers who purchase the device. Instructional videos are available on YouTube – link available on request.

Coming to Europe? Not yet; Cellico is looking for EU distribution partners.

Suitable for retinitis pigmentosa? Partially – primarily designed for AMD; may assist RP users with nighttime object recognition.

📧 marketing@cellico.com 🌐 https://sightcity.net/O033092

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

More information: https://sightcity.net/O033072

Orbit Research has been developing affordable assistive technology for blind and visually impaired people for over 28 years. Their philosophy: outcomes ahead of short-term profit. The portfolio spans reading, note-taking, tactile graphics, magnification, and accessible computing.

The new piezo products complement the existing true Braille cell lineup, giving users a meaningful choice:

Orbit Flow 40 – Compact 40-cell Braille display for computers and smartphones. USB plug-and-play, compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and Linux. Ergonomic thumb keys for comfortable panning and navigation.

Orbit Strata 40 – 40-cell piezo Braille display with Perkins-style keyboard, standalone and connected modes. Users can read, write, and edit documents without a connected device.

Orbit Strata 40 Pro & 20 Pro – Combine Braille with speech, audio, online services, and productivity tools. Built on the same platform as the Orbit Speak Plus. The 20 Pro is the more compact, portable option; the 40 Pro offers a full 40-cell Braille line for heavier reading and editing.

Compact DAISY and media player for accessible reading, listening, and online libraries. Supports DAISY, EPUB, DOCX, PDF, BRF, MP3, FLAC, and more. Features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM radio, voice guidance, bookmarking, and multi-level navigation (page, chapter, paragraph, sentence, word). Over 20 GB internal storage, SD cards up to 2 TB. Access to Bookshare, Gutenberg, and European library services.

The core of Orbit's affordable Braille offering:

All devices are based on Orbit's patented true Braille cell technology, known for reliability, rugged construction, and firm Braille dots.

The Orbit Slate 340 and Slate 520 bring multi-line refreshable Braille into a more accessible price range. Particularly valuable in education, research, and specialised professional settings where reading multiple Braille lines at once helps users perceive document structure and layout more naturally.

Graffiti was the world's first affordable tactile graphics display. Using moving pins that can be set to different heights, users can feel diagrams, drawings, floor plans, images, and photographs as tactile relief. Graffiti Plus extends this concept into a more interactive, classroom-ready product for STEM education.

The Magna 3, 4, and 5 series support people with low vision in reading printed materials and working independently in everyday environments. Orbit focuses on fast start-up, ease of use, and consistent performance.

The Orion family includes accessible versions of the TI-30XS and TI-84+ (with graphical display). Both devices speak inputs and results aloud, supporting visually impaired students in class and during exams.

Orbit Teacher Remote and Orbit Chat extend the hardware: teachers can support Braille users remotely, and communication in inclusive learning environments is made easier. The apps turn the hardware ecosystem into a connected whole.

When asked about the availability of the Optima Braille Laptop, Venkatesh Chari answered: expected early to mid-2027 (three to four quarters from May 2026). Those interested can register at sales@orbitresearch.com to receive a notification when the Optima becomes available for pre-order.

Website: www.orbitresearch.com Email: sales@orbitresearch.com

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

WeWALK's mission is to leverage cutting-edge technology and AI to create revolutionary mobility tools for visually impaired people, driven by lived experiences. Multiple team members at WeWALK are visually impaired themselves, and the organisation works closely with the blind and low vision community to shape its products. WeWALK works with partner organisations worldwide, including RNIB (UK), CNIB (Canada), VLRC (Canada), and Vision Australia.

The Smart Cane 2 was released in 2025 and has since received the King's Award for Enterprise, Times Best Invention, and the Edison Gold Award. The WeWALK team was invited to Windsor Castle, where King Charles III tried the obstacle detection feature firsthand.

WeWALK describes the Smart Cane 2 as a pyramid of features, from basic to advanced:

Layer 1 – Traditional Cane The Smart Cane 2 can be used as a standard white cane. It is lightweight, weather-resistant, and suitable for ground-level detection — no phone connection required. The bottom section contains no electronics, making it feel and function like a traditional cane.

Layer 2 – Safety Features (no phone required) An obstacle detection sensor in the cane's handle detects upper body obstacles such as tree branches, signs, and overhanging structures. When an obstacle is detected, users receive vibration feedback on the handle, an audio alert, or both — adjustable in the settings. A built-in flashlight allows users to illuminate dark pathways and increase their visibility to pedestrians and traffic.

Layer 3 – Navigation via the WeWALK App By pairing the Smart Cane 2 with the free WeWALK app (iOS and Android) via Bluetooth, users gain access to:

Layer 4 – AI Assistant (powered by Google Gemini) By pressing a button on the cane's handle, users can ask voice questions and receive answers directly through the cane's built-in speaker — without taking out their phone. Questions can include directions to nearby places, battery status, current location, or general queries. Audio output can also be routed through Bluetooth headsets or glasses such as Meta Ray-Ban.

For orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, WeWALK offers AIM (AI Mobility Monitoring). Specialists can issue a Smart Cane 2 to students and — if the student consents to sharing data — receive metrics including cane angle, cane swipes, walking speed, and self-reported confidence levels. This helps instructors verify that students are using correct cane technique outside of a classroom setting, and that cane height and swing pattern meet best practices.

The WeWALK Smart Cane 2 is available through WeWALK's global distributor network. To find the nearest distributor or to request a trial, contact WeWALK directly.

Contact: info@wewalk.io Website: https://wewalk.io Further information and talk page: https://sightcity.net/O032152

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

The presentation opens with an explanatory video from Accessible Media Inc. Blind hockey is a variation of ice hockey for athletes who are legally blind, played on a standard-sized rink. The key equipment adaptation is a 14 × 4.8 cm steel disc with eight ball bearings inside that rattle, replacing the rubber puck, allowing players to hear and follow it. The net is reduced from 121 cm to 91 cm to keep play at ice level where the puck makes noise. Teams always wear bright yellow jerseys for contrast against the white ice. The pass rule requires teams to complete one clean pass after entering the attacking zone before being eligible to shoot; the referee signals a successful pass with a high-pitched electronic whistle. All goaltenders must be completely blind and wear a blindfold; no opposing player may enter the crease.

The IBSA classification system divides athletes into B1 (no functional vision), B2 (up to approximately 5% vision) and B3 (up to approximately 10% vision). A points system – three points for B3, two for B2, one for B1, maximum 14 points on ice including the B1-only goaltender – ensures teams are balanced regardless of individual vision levels. B3 players wear black helmets, B2 white, B1 red skaters. For recreational and domestic competitions, a B4 category (visual acuity below 6/21 and visual field below 60%) is included.

Canadian Blind Hockey has grown the sport across British Columbia in partnership with the NHL's Vancouver Canucks through the Canucks for Kids Fund. The partnership resulted in a co-branded logo, the rebranding of the local junior team as Junior Canucks Blind Hockey, the launch of the Victoria Canucks Blind Hockey program, and a jersey reveal at Rogers Arena.

Blind ice hockey was invented in Canada in 1946 but was only organised at national level when Canadian Blind Hockey was founded in 2010. Programs began in the USA in 2014, England and Finland in 2019, Russia and Sweden in 2020. The sport now has more than 1,000 players in six countries. The International Series between Canada and USA has run since 2018; in 2025 it expanded to a three-team tournament including Team World, made up mainly of Finnish and English players. New programs are planned in Germany and Czechia for the coming season.

German NHL star Leon Draisaitl is mentioned as an example of the country's strong hockey infrastructure. Germany has more than 20,000 registered ice hockey players and is the eighth largest ice hockey nation globally.

Canadian Blind Hockey's 2025/26 end-of-season survey found that 80% of participants reported improvements in confidence, teamwork, motivation and self-reliance, and 96% reported enhanced mental health and physical wellbeing. The presentation includes personal quotes from players Scarlet Dorn, Graham Foxcroft, Jonathan Tresop and junior ambassador Gabby.

The seven steps to starting a program outlined in the presentation are: (1) build local interest and identify a champion; (2) find ice time and a suitable facility; (3) source adapted equipment including blind hockey pucks; (4) recruit coaches and volunteers; (5) launch a try blind hockey event; (6) develop ongoing programming (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly); (7) build a pathway from local teams to regional, national and international competition.

The IBIHF was founded in 2015 and currently recognises four countries with widely played programs: Canada (20+ programs, 300+ players), USA (20+ programs, 300+ players), Finland (approximately 40 players, first national series completed) and Russia (13 programs, primarily youth). The long-term goal is a World Championships requiring eight countries, leading to potential inclusion in the Winter Paralympic Games. The IBIHF has identified 20 candidate countries, including Germany, Czechia, France, Great Britain, Norway, Japan, China, Korea, Switzerland, Belarus, Slovakia, Austria, Latvia, Hungary, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Italy and Thailand.

The 2027 International Blind Ice Hockey Series will take place in Toronto, Canada in March 2027. Players from Germany and Czechia are invited to try out for Team World. A German-led Zoom planning meeting is scheduled for June; a camp in Czechia is planned for October; the Canadian Blind Hockey summer development camp runs August 24–29 near Toronto.

A question from the audience asked whether it is possible to hear the puck rattle over Zoom – Matt Morrow confirms the noise does not carry well through the microphone but attendees at the SightCity booth (booth 2016) can handle pucks in person.

A second question from the audience asked about divisions for women – Matt Morrow confirms all divisions are co-ed, but there is also a dedicated Girls and Women's Summit at the Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament with a day and a half of practice followed by women-only competition.

Contact: info@blindicehockey.com

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

The core idea behind IKONN arose from the question of how to make household devices more affordable and up-to-date for visually impaired users. Rather than building a new family of dedicated talking products, Unwired Things took a hub-based approach: the products themselves do not speak; instead a central controller or smartphone app handles all audio output. This allows the same range of products to be made available across many languages simply by updating the controller or app, without needing country-specific hardware variants.

The system has two interfaces. The Tactile IKONN controller is a screenless, audio-driven device with soft tactile buttons, a battery life of five to ten days and support for around 20 languages. It operates on an iPod-style audio menu interface. The my IKONN app runs on iOS and Android, has full TalkBack and VoiceOver support, and offers a large-format display mode specifically designed for low vision users who wish to preserve their remaining sight longer rather than switching immediately to audio-only solutions. Via the smartphone, the system also connects to cochlear implants, hearing aids and Braille displays, making it usable by deafblind users.

The current IKONN product range, launched in 2024/2025, consists of eight products: a kitchen scale, bathroom scale, room thermometer/hygrometer, kitchen thermometer, oven/grill thermometer, a one-and-a-half-metre flexible tape measure for sewing and body measurements, digital calipers and an angle measure. The calipers and angle measure are highlighted as particularly novel: calipers allow blind users to measure irregular objects that cannot be measured on a flat tape measure, while the angle measure supports both professional woodworking and geometry learning for children. The newest product, released today at SightCity, is the colour sensor – a plug-in unit for the controller only. Later in 2025/2026, a blood pressure monitor and a five-metre metal tape measure are planned, alongside new features for the controller and app.

Products are available in 14 European countries via resellers and distributors, with three to four further country launches expected by end of year. Multiple controllers and apps can share the same devices simultaneously, making the system well suited to shared households or care communities. Prices range from around 50 to 100 euros per product; the colour sensor is approximately 150–180 euros. All product information and short instruction videos are available in 15 languages at ikonn.info.

A question from the audience asked whether IKONN products are available in Spain. Craig Scott confirmed that ONCE, the Spanish blind organisation, is currently testing the products, but there is no active Spanish reseller yet. It is possible to purchase from, for example, France and install the Spanish-language version of the app or controller.

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

Biel Glasses was founded by Jaume Puig after his son Biel was diagnosed with low vision at age three due to optic nerve hypoplasia. The condition caused severe mobility problems – Biel fell frequently and got lost easily. What started as a personal project became a certified medical device solution for people with low vision, with a particular focus on mobility and fall prevention. The company is based in Barcelona and the device is certified as a medical device under EU regulations.

40% of people with low vision fall at least once a year. 36% of those suffer medical consequences. A UK study found that 33% of hip fracture patients also have low vision. Those most affected are people over 50 – the primary target group for Biel Smart Gaze.

The latest version – Biel Glasses Aura ("aura" means "air" in Catalan) – is the most compact and discreet version to date. By using AI to replace multiple sensors, the device now resembles standard sunglasses. It consists of the glasses unit and a small external Aura pack worn on the body.

The core function of Biel Smart Gaze uses AI segmentation, robotics-inspired processing, and mixed reality.

Positive obstacles (above ground: chairs, overhanging objects, etc.):

Negative obstacles (below ground: descending steps, holes, drops):

Ring indicator: When an obstacle is directly ahead, a coloured ring replaces the arrow.

All visual indicators – size, colour, position within the visual field – are fully configurable by the eye care specialist and can be adapted for colour vision deficiencies and restricted visual fields.

Three patients shared their experiences in Spanish (with English explanation by Jaume Puig):

Patient 1 – Low vision due to glaucoma and eye ischemia, approximately 1% remaining vision. Previously relied entirely on a cane and a companion to go outside. With the Biel Smart Gaze, the patient can now descend stairs and detect obstacles above cane height such as awnings and overhanging branches.

Patient 2 – Participated in the Barcelona pilot project (40 patients, 3 months). Previously could not walk alone in many places. With the glasses the patient regained independence in areas that were previously inaccessible alone.

Patient 3 – Retinitis pigmentosa, severely restricted visual field. The main problem was constant collisions due to peripheral vision loss. With Biel Smart Gaze the patient can now perceive surroundings in much more detail and avoid obstacles effectively.

Biel Smart Gaze is a medical device and is not sold directly to end users. The process:

Configuration includes: arrow size, colours, position of indicators within the visual field, zoom window size and position, and audio volume.

Biel Smart Gaze is currently the only device on the market that combines mobility support with vision improvement. Other smart glasses or wearables for low vision focus primarily on reading, face recognition, or object identification. Biel Glasses focuses on mobility – particularly relevant for conditions involving peripheral vision loss such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa.

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to SightCity Podcast
00:00:19 Presentation Introduction
00:01:08 Why Humanware Created Monarch
00:04:46 What is Monarch
00:10:28 How Monarch Was Created
00:11:34 About eBraille Format
00:12:49 Benefits and Features Demonstration
00:14:32 Live Demonstration
00:22:02 Tactile Viewer Demonstration
00:41:34 Email and Internet Browser Features
00:42:48 Word Processor Demonstration
00:51:47 Key Math Application
00:58:18 Victor Reader and ePub Support
01:00:01 Conclusion and Contact Information 

About HumanWare
HumanWare is a global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. For over 30 years, the company has developed innovative solutions that improve the independence and quality of life for users worldwide. The Monarch device represents a significant advancement in their product line, developed in equal partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). HumanWare's commitment to keeping blind users at the center of their development process is evident in their collaboration with organizations like the National Federation for the Blind and their participation in the eBraille standard development with over 40 organizations.

For detailed product specifications, pricing, and availability of the Monarch device, please contact your local HumanWare representative or visit their website. 

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro & Kontext (Podcast, globale Zahlen, Herausforderungen)
00:02:30 Gründungsgeschichte (Hans J. Weiberg & Entstehungsidee)
00:05:49 Wachstum, Nutzerzahlen & Funktionsweise der App
00:08:13 KI & Wearables (Be My AI, Ray-Ban Meta)
00:16:03 Geschäftsmodell & B2B (CAM, Partnerstruktur)
00:20:47 Fallstudien & Workplace Preview (Hilton, Microsoft, Arbeitsplatz)
00:28:27 Fireside Chat & Zukunft (Regulierung, Use Cases, Vision)
00:48:35 Abschluss & Kontakt 

About the Guest
Andy Bailey is the Chief Marketing Officer at Be My Eyes, where he leads global marketing initiatives for the world's most widely used visual assistance app. With a passion for accessibility and inclusive technology, Andy works to expand Be My Eyes' reach and impact across diverse communities worldwide.

About Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that connects blind and visually impaired users with sighted volunteers through live video calls. Founded in 2015 by Hans Jørgen Weiberg, the platform has grown to become the world's largest accessibility community, featuring both human volunteer assistance and AI-powered visual assistance through Be My AI.

 

About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved. 

Episode Summary
This launch episode explains what listeners can expect from the new English-language SightCity Podcast: selected English presentation recordings plus interviews with developers, users, researchers, educators, and other accessibility stakeholders. It outlines the event setting at Kap Europa in Frankfurt am Main, highlights new additions like the Workshop Stage and the Gaming Lab (created with Microsoft/Xbox and Inclusive Gaming), and clarifies that German-only sessions are published separately in the German feed. The episode also traces how hybrid and online presentation recordings began in 2020 as a response to the pandemic.

About SightCity
SightCity is an annual international exhibition in Frankfurt am Main focused on assistive technology, rehabilitation, education, inclusive gaming, smart mobility, and lived experience for blind and low-vision communities. It combines on‑site interaction with digital/hybrid formats, offering multiple stages, workshops, and curated online sessions.

Separation of Feeds
German-language recordings (including Forum, Workshop Stage sessions presented in German, Gaming Lab, and other German sessions) are released in the SightCity Podcast (DE). The English feed avoids post‑event dubbing and prioritizes original English content.

Contact & Information
Website: https://www.sightcity.net
General / Press: info@sightcity.net
Social Media:  Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, TikTok, WhatsApp 

Disclaimer
Episode 0 serves as an editorial introduction rather than a presentation recording. The material is copyright-protected; any reuse beyond personal listening requires prior written permission from SightCity GmbH. Mentions of individuals and organizations are solely informational. Program and date information corresponds to the 2025 status.

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About SightCity
SightCity is Europe's largest trade fair for aids and services for the blind and visually impaired. The annual event brings together exhibitors, professionals, and community members to showcase the latest innovations in accessibility technology and services.
 

This recording was created during SightCity 2025 from the online exhibitor presentations. The copyright of the recordings belongs to SightCity GmbH. Any use, reproduction, or distribution by third parties is prohibited without express written permission. The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR.

Copyright © 2025 SightCity GmbH. All rights reserved.