An artificial intelligence program for smart glasses won a £1 million prize. This technology helps people with dementia. The award recognizes its potential to assist dementia patients.
The technology is called CrossSense. It is built into thick black frames. These frames have a camera, microphone, and speakers. CrossSense uses a smart assistant named Wispy. Wispy guides users through their daily lives.
Wispy does more than just give instructions. It provides spoken feedback and on-screen text. The assistant can also ask questions. It can make small talk. It can also help users recall memories. This information comes from The Guardian newspaper.
The program won the Longitude Prize for dementia. This is one of many prizes from Challenge Works. Nesta also supports these prizes.
The Alzheimer's Society and Innovate UK fund this prize. It aims to encourage new technologies. These technologies help dementia patients stay independent longer. About 150 million people worldwide may have dementia by 2050.
Stepan Orlyns, CEO of Cross-Sense, said the prize money helps their product launch. A smartphone version will be ready by the end of the year. The smart glasses version is expected in early 2027.
Orlyns noted that his company provides the AI software. Other companies make the hardware frames. These frames can take prescription lenses. They also work with hearing aids.