Akumen AI is a bold, purpose-driven deep-tech startup from Manipur on a mission to redefine what’s possible for people with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired. Harnessing the power of machine learning, computer vision, and robotics, the team builds tools, such as smart glasses, that do more than assist; they restore agency, confidence, and independence.
At the heart of their work is INSIGHT, their flagship smart glasses. Feather-light and intuitive, it becomes a constant companion for visually impaired users. It reads text aloud, detects objects, recognizes currency, and guides navigation across multiple languages with striking precision, all at an accessible price point. Complementing it is Virya, a 3D-printed, AI-powered bionic arm that merges customizable design with embedded health intelligence.
Akumen AI refuses to settle for incremental progress. Instead, the startup aims to democratize advanced assistive technology and safeguard the innovations that drive it. Their ethos is both simple and electric: every person possesses untapped superpowers, and technology should help bring them to life.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the Samarth India Conclave and Expo 2025, hosted by Times Network and Hyundai, Oinam Roshan, Electronics Engineer, Akumen AI details the assistive technologies his startup is creating for visually impaired people. He explains how smart glasses will empower users, outlines the product’s defining features and expected market price, highlights the transformative role of LiDAR in safe mobility, and shares insights into the government support propelling the startup forward.
Below are the key takeaways from his compelling discussion.
Q: Could you elaborate on the assistive technology Akumen AI has developed for visually impaired people?
A: We are developing assistive technology for visually impaired people by leveraging AI and computer vision. We are now expanding our language support, as India has a rich linguistic landscape with Tamil, Telugu, Assamese, and many others. To serve users more effectively, we are integrating these languages into our solutions.
Currently, we offer two products: an Android app and AI-assisted smart glasses. The Android app enables users to perform a wide range of tasks, including object detection, document scanning, and barcode reading. The smart glasses provide the same capabilities, delivering these functions hands-free and in real time.
Q: How will the smart glasses convert visual information into audio and support individuals with visual impairments?
A: These smart glasses capture images through an onboard camera sensor and send them to a connected mobile device. The AI then processes the image, generates the corresponding audio, and sends it back to the glasses, which deliver the information aloud.
This capability will significantly empower visually impaired users in daily life, whether reading a newspaper, browsing a book, or navigating a restaurant. For instance, if a user wants to order biryani, the glasses can scan the menu and respond to questions such as, ‘What is the price of the chicken biryani?’ The system analyzes the image and provides precise answers using AI.
Ultimately, these smart glasses enable visually impaired individuals to function more independently, reducing their reliance on others and helping them engage with the world just as confidently as anyone else.
Q: Is this device ready for the market, and if so, what is the expected price?
A: Yes, we plan to launch this product in the market within the next two to three months. At the moment, we are filing patents in both India and the United States, and the process is underway. Once the patents are granted, we will move directly into commercialization.
As for pricing, the device is expected to cost around ₹15,000.
Q: What key features does this equipment have?
A: Our flagship smart glasses, INSIGHT, empowers visually impaired people to perform a wide range of everyday activities. The device integrates several powerful capabilities, including document reading, object detection, scene description, facial recognition, and QR code scanning. In addition to these core features, it also offers tools such as a color detector, further enhancing its utility.
Q: Will this technology also assist visually impaired individuals while they are walking?
A: Right now, we have not fully enabled that capability, but we plan to integrate it soon because our device already includes a LiDAR sensor. LiDAR detects obstacles by measuring distance, allowing the system to identify objects ahead and announce how far they are. This way, users can immediately understand whether an obstacle is near or far and navigate more safely.
Q: What kind of support has Akumen AI received from the government in developing these smart glasses?
A: We have received several government grants, including support from Startup Manipur, Startup India, and NITI Aayog. We are now preparing to collaborate with hospitals and partner with NGOs in cities such as Bengaluru and Delhi. At this stage, we are moving into full commercialization and finalizing our market-ready plans. Once our patents are granted, we will proceed with the product launch.
2 Comments
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