Mobility Aid Glidance Price Announced And Deposit Scheme Launched
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Amos Miller, the CEO and founder of Glidance shares the details of his innovative autonomous self-guided mobility aid for the blind with host Steven Scott, which is now available for pre-order with delivery expected later this year.
The new device has been showcased around the world over the past year, and was most recently named the gold winner of the Assistive Technologies prize at the 2024 Edison Awards.
It has now been announced that the price of the new mobility aid will be $1499 USD when it is released in the summer, but they are offering a 40% discount for early adopters with a fully refundable $100 deposit upfront. Glidance explain how the deposit scheme will work on their website, stating:
‘When you make a $100 deposit, we will hold that deposit until we begin taking preorders. Preorder launch is currently planned for this summer, and we will be announcing the specific dates on or before July 1st, 2024. When we accept preorders, you will receive a unique code for a 40% discount on our retail price (less the $100 you’ve already paid), as well as receiving the first three months of Glide’s subscription service for free. When we begin shipping the product, which we currently estimate to be September 2025, you will be among the first in line to receive your Glide. To redeem your 40% discount, you must preorder your Glide within the first 60 days of us launching our preorder campaign. You can refund your deposit at any time before those 60 days by writing us at [email protected].’
Speaking to Double Tap on the 14th of March 2024, Amos Millar explained to Steven Scott that Glidance is like a robot that guides a blind person, similar to a guide dog or sighted guide. The device has a handle and two wheels that steer and use sensors, AI, and cameras to guide the user safely to their destination while avoiding obstacles. There are different ways to navigate with Glide, including predetermined routes, integration with maps, and line-of-sight targets.
The team is focused on creating a mobility aid that enables people with low confidence and mobility limitations to become independent. Amos discusses the role of technology in empowering the blind community and emphasizes the importance of developing a product that is affordable and accessible to a wide range of users.
The discussion touches upon the challenges of wearables and the need for devices to effectively communicate information to the user. Amos also shares the genesis of the project, including his personal experience with sight loss, and the collaborative work with Guide Dogs and Microsoft.