Ticino innovates with smart glasses for the visually impaired

Context

TL;DR

• TAMI glasses help blind and visually impaired navigate safely
• Uses radar tech, vibrates to alert users of obstacles
• Developed by Lighthouse Tech in Ticino, Switzerland
• Received 50,000 CHF Unitas Innovation Award

Key facts

• Cosa: TAMI glasses are intelligent glasses for visually impaired and blind people
• Quando: Presented on Thursday at Ca' Rezzonico in Lugano
• Dove: Developed in Morbio Inferiore, Ticino, Switzerland
• Chi: Developed by Lighthouse Tech in collaboration with USI
• Importo: Received 50,000 Swiss francs from Unitas Innovation Award
• Scadenza: Funding allocated for 2026 by National Accessibility Fund
• Tecnologia: Uses radar technology for obstacle detection without internet
• Beneficiari: Blind, visually impaired, and people with neurological spatial disorders

The canton of Ticino continues to prove itself as a fertile ground for innovation, particularly in the field of assistive technologies. A local startup, Lighthouse Tech based in Morbio Inferiore, has developed intelligent glasses called TAMI, designed to help visually impaired and blind people move around safely. Presented on Thursday at Ca' Rezzonico in Lugano, these glasses use radar technology to detect obstacles at chest and head level, vibrating on the frames to alert the user.

Operational details

Ticino continues to prove itself as a fertile ground for innovation, particularly in the field of assistive technologies. A concrete example is the TAMI glasses, developed through a collaboration between the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and Lighthouse Tech. This innovative technology was designed to support the blind and visually impaired in their daily navigation.

Technology and Functionality

The TAMI glasses are based on an obstacle detection system that operates without the need for an internet connection or dedicated apps. The battery ensures several hours of autonomy, making them practical for prolonged use. Two usage modes are available: long-range vision and short-range vision, with three channels indicating whether an obstacle is on the right, left, or center. In case of a frontal obstacle, both arms vibrate simultaneously, providing a clear warning signal.

Usage and Benefits

In addition to being a useful tool for the blind, the TAMI glasses can also provide significant support for people suffering from neurological spatial disorders or those who have had a stroke. For example, Matteo Fanchini shared cases of individuals with right hemiparesis who, by activating only the arm corresponding to the affected side, achieved notable improvements in spatial perception. This was made possible through collaboration with rehabilitation centers in Ticino municipalities such as Lugano and Bellinzona.

Recognition and Future Projects

The TAMI project has already received important accolades, including the Unitas Innovation Award for supporting the blind and visually impaired. This award, established in 2018, recognizes excellence in the field of social and technological innovation that contributes to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. The prize amount was 50,000 Swiss francs, which helped fund further project development.

Operational Checklist

To use the TAMI glasses effectively:

• Ensure battery charge: Check that the battery is fully charged before using the glasses.
• Choose the usage mode: Select long-range or short-range vision mode based on your needs.
• Interpret the signals: Recognize the arm signals to understand the position of obstacles.

Comparison with Practical Scenarios

In a comparison with similar devices on the market, the TAMI glasses stand out for their autonomy and ease of use. For example, some competing devices require a constant internet connection and have more limited battery life. Additionally, the TAMI glasses offer greater customization, allowing users to adapt the device to their specific needs.

"The TAMI glasses represent a significant step forward in assistive technology, offering greater independence and safety for people with visual impairments." - Matteo Fanchini

Regulations and Funding

In Switzerland, support for assistive technologies for people with disabilities is governed by specific regulations. The Federal Law on Electrical Products and Installations (LEI) of October 9, 1992, and subsequent amendments regulate the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of devices. Additionally, the Fund for the Integration of the Disabled (FI) provides funding for the purchase of assistive technologies like the TAMI glasses. Applicants can receive a contribution of up to 50% of the purchase price, with a maximum of 5,000 Swiss francs.

Conclusion

The TAMI glasses are a concrete example of how innovation can improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. With their advanced technology and ease of use, these devices are set to become an indispensable tool for many. Thanks to initiatives like this, Ticino continues to position itself as a leader in technological and social innovation.

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Key points

For those interested in learning more about this Ticinese innovation, Lighthouse Tech has made additional information available on their website. The TAMI glasses represent a concrete example of how technology can improve the quality of life for people with visual disabilities, offering practical and innovative solutions.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 285 million people worldwide suffer from visual disabilities, of which 39 million are blind. In Ticino, it is estimated that around 1,500 people have severe visual disabilities. The TAMI glasses could be an effective solution to improve their autonomy and quality of life.

Concrete Examples of Use

• In Bellinzona, the TAMI glasses could help the blind navigate the historic center, thanks to object and person recognition technology.
• In Locarno, the glasses could be used to improve accessibility to public services, such as the municipal library.

Regulations and Incentives

The Disability Law of March 30, 2006 (LPDis) provides that people with visual disabilities are entitled to subsidies and benefits for the purchase of assistive technologies. The National Accessibility Fund (FNA) has allocated 10 million Swiss francs for 2026 to support the purchase of technologies like the TAMI glasses.

Operational Checklist

To calculate how this innovation could integrate into the daily life of the blind, it is possible to follow these steps:

"The TAMI glasses are an incredible tool for improving my autonomy" - stated a user.

• Assess the specific needs of the person with visual disability
• Verify compatibility with other devices and services
• Calculate the total cost of ownership and available subsidies
• Verify the availability of support and maintenance services

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

For those working in the innovation sector or simply curious about the latest technological developments in Ticino, this device is a demonstration of local excellence. To calculate how this innovation could integrate into the daily life of the blind, visit our accessibility calculator. Source: RSI, March 27, 2026.

Source: rsi.ch