Ticino innovates with smart glasses for the visually impaired (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The startup Lighthouse Tech presents TAMI, glasses with radar that vibrate to signal obstacles. Positive tests from people with low vision and winner of the Unitas Innovation Award.

Contesto

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.

Dettagli operativi

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 disabi...

Punti chiave

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 ## Comp...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How do TAMI glasses work to help visually impaired and blind people move safely?","a":"TAMI glasses use radar technology to detect obstacles at distances of up to 4 meters and warn the user with an increasing vibration."},{"q":"What is the estimated cost of TAMI glasses and what are the financing options for buyers in Switzerland and Italy?","a":"The cost of TAMI glasses has not yet been officially set, but a competitive price is expected. In Switzerland, the Cantonal Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research (FCTR) could offer support. In Italy, buyers could access funds from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies for access to assistive technologies."},{"q":"What are the visa and residence permit requirements for Swiss cross-border commuters working in Italy?","a":"Swiss cross-border commuters must have a valid work permit in Italy, such as a residence permit for work purposes, and comply with Italian immigration and social security regulations."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How do TAMI glasses work to help visually impaired and blind people move safely?
TAMI glasses use radar technology to detect obstacles at distances of up to 4 meters and warn the user with an increasing vibration.
What is the estimated cost of TAMI glasses and what are the financing options for buyers in Switzerland and Italy?
The cost of TAMI glasses has not yet been officially set, but a competitive price is expected. In Switzerland, the Cantonal Foundation for the Promotion of Scientific Research (FCTR) could offer support. In Italy, buyers could access funds from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies for access to assistive technologies.
What are the visa and residence permit requirements for Swiss cross-border commuters working in Italy?
Swiss cross-border commuters must have a valid work permit in Italy, such as a residence permit for work purposes, and comply with Italian immigration and social security regulations.

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