SightlineAI — Open-Source Smart Glasses for the Visually Impaired (2.2B+ People Need This)

Why This Matters

2.2 billion people worldwide have vision impairment. Most assistive devices cost thousands. What if open-source AI could help?

SightlineAI is an AI-powered assistive eyewear project that provides real-time object detection, text recognition, and environment awareness for visually impaired people.

What It Does

• Real-time Object Detection — Identifies objects in the user's environment using computer vision
• Text-to-Speech — Reads signs, labels, and documents aloud
• Navigation Assistance — Helps users navigate their surroundings
• ESP32 + IoT — Built with affordable, accessible hardware
• Open Source — Every line from CAD files to detection models is public: So anyone can build, modify, and improve it

The Hardware

• ESP32 microcontroller with camera module
• Audio output for text-to-speech
• Designed to be 3D-printable and low-cost
• Total component cost: under $50

Why Open Source?

Assistive technology shouldn't be expensive. By making SightlineAI open source, anyone with basic electronics skills can build their own smart glasses — students, hobbyists, NGOs in developing countries.

Quick Start

git clone https://github.com/rudra496/sightlineai.git

See the hardware setup guide in the repository.

GitHub: github.com/rudra496/sightlineai

Live Site: sightlineai website

If you believe in accessible technology, give it a star!

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Built by Rudra Sarker — Open Source

What's New — October 2026

• The project now has a Zenodo DOI for citable research use: 10.5281/zenodo.22118700
• A live demo is up at rudra496.github.io/sightlineai
• A deeper follow-up lives here on DEV: SightlineAI + Qwen
• The repo was restructured and refreshed this month — star it to follow development: https://github.com/rudra496/sightlineai