Israel’s Latest Invention: Camera Helping the Blind ‘See’ Objects

A new invention from Israel that falls in line with the Jewish state’s reputation as a “start-up nation,” potentially revolutionizing life for the blind and the visually impaired, will go on sale in the United States in September.

The device, called OrCam, works via a 5-megapixel camera that attaches to glasses and can recognize text. With the help of the user, the camera can be taught to recognize objects and faces, said computer sciences professor and the co-founder of OrCam Technologies Amnon Shashua, who is also the co-founder of the more well-known Israeli start-up MobileEye, Haaretz and Reuters reported.

The camera uses audio feedback to relay visual information, and has a memory library in which it can store previously recognized objects. While the device still has difficulty handling light and non-flat surfaces, it will sell for $2,500 in the U.S. beginning in September.