A pioneering British firm has unveiled a pair of smart glasses designed to act as a 'gentle anchor' for people living with dementia, helping them remember names, complete daily tasks, and stay safe at home.
How the AI-Powered Glasses Work
Developed by the Animorph Co-operative, the spectacles are equipped with an artificial intelligence tool named Cross Sense. The device features a microphone and a live display, enabling it to identify and remind the wearer of the names of relatives, doctors, or carers by recording the identities of important people in their life.
The AI companion, called Wispy, provides emotional support, regular check-ins, and helps users keep track of medical appointments and daily rhythms. It also guides wearers step-by-step through everyday activities, from finding lost keys to following a recipe.
Transforming Lives and Boosting Independence
Early results are promising. Remarkably, three in four people at various stages of dementia who tried the glasses experienced meaningful improvement after just one use. For users like Rosalind Tranter, a retired dentist, the technology is transformative.
'My mum was a runner. She would get out and couldn't find her way home,' Ms. Tranter told The Times. 'What I want is to stay living in my flat and not be a burden to my son... I think technology like this can help do that. It can help me stay independent.'
Szczepan Orlins, a software architect at Animorph, stated the firm's ambition is to 'defy' the disease, not just mitigate it. He credited recent leaps in AI and ultralight smart glasses for turning an initial idea involving virtual reality helmets into a sleek, fashionable device.
Market Launch and Competition Recognition
The Cross Sense software is scheduled to launch as an app by the end of 2026, to be installed on compatible glasses which currently start at over £700. Animorph plans to charge £50 a month for the subscription service.
The glasses are one of five projects shortlisted for the prestigious Longitude Prize on Dementia, which seeks to fund technology that helps people with the condition live independently. Each shortlisted project received £300,000 to develop their idea. The overall winner of the £1 million prize will be announced in March.
The other finalists include:
- SenS2: A British WiFi hub that monitors movement patterns without cameras.
- Australian Memory Aid: A headset for staying connected via video call.
- Theora 360 (US): A system designed to detect and predict falls.
- Autonomous (Portugal): An app that records home routines to create a safer environment.
The innovation isn't without minor quirks; during a test making a cup of tea, the glasses oddly advised to smell the milk before adding boiling water and the tea bag. Despite this, the technology represents a significant step forward in empowering those with dementia, offering not just practical aid but also preserving dignity and autonomy.
