A 20-year-old Nigerian inventor from Kano, Khalifa Aminu, is developing artificial intelligence-powered glasses designed to help blind and visually impaired people detect obstacles and move around more safely.
Aminu recently unveiled an updated version of the device, which combines artificial intelligence, sensors and GPS technology to assist people with visual impairments.
Unlike many smart glasses designed mainly for entertainment and communication, Aminu’s project focuses on mobility, independence and safety.
The glasses use sensors to detect objects in front of the wearer and issue alerts to help the user avoid obstacles. The device also includes GPS technology that can provide location information.
According to Aminu, the location feature could help caregivers find a user who becomes lost. The system is being designed to send the wearer’s location to a caregiver through platforms such as WhatsApp or email.
AI-powered voice assistance
A newer version of the glasses is also being developed with AI-powered voice interaction.
The technology is intended to allow the glasses to communicate with users and provide information about their surroundings.
This would represent a major expansion of Aminu’s earlier prototype, which mainly focused on detecting obstacles and alerting users.
The inventor said his interest in assistive technology came from seeing visually impaired people in his community struggle with movement and other daily activities.
His first prototype used ultrasonic and infrared sensors to detect obstacles and warn users.
A visually impaired man in his community tested the early version and provided feedback that helped Aminu improve the design.
Among the suggestions were reducing the size of the hardware, adding a wireless switch and replacing basic warning sounds with clearer voice alerts.
Aminu incorporated some of these suggestions into the continued development of the glasses.
From basic sensors to AI and GPS
The latest version combines several technologies, including obstacle-detection sensors, AI, GPS and voice interaction.
If successfully developed, the voice system could allow users to receive information about their surroundings instead of simply receiving warnings when an object is nearby.
The GPS feature could also provide an additional layer of support for caregivers trying to locate users who become lost.
However, the technology is still under development. There is currently not enough independent technical evidence to show that the prototype can reliably replace established mobility aids, such as white canes or trained guides, in all environments.
Young inventor’s growing portfolio
Aminu began developing electronic projects before starting work on the AI glasses.
His previous inventions reportedly include a radio transmitter, agricultural equipment and other electronic devices.
He largely taught himself by studying how different technologies work and experimenting with available components.
His work on assistive glasses attracted attention while he was still a teenager.
In 2024, Nigeria’s National Commission for Persons with Disabilities expressed interest in meeting Aminu to assess his invention and explore ways of supporting his work.
The Kano Patriotic Front also supported the young inventor with equipment, a laptop, workspace assistance and sponsorship for his education and inventions.
Aminu’s latest project adds to his growing list of inventions and reflects his efforts to use locally developed technology to address challenges faced by people in his community.
