The Seekr, developed by Hong Kong-based startup Vidi Labs, is an innovative tool designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings with greater independence. Unlike traditional white canes that help detect physical obstacles, the Seekr uses artificial intelligence to interpret and describe scenes, objects, and text, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the environment.
The development of the Seekr was inspired by a personal challenge faced by Vidi Labs’ director Turzo Bose during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Due to social distancing precautions, my visually impaired grandfather couldn’t meet with sighted people who would describe things to him while out and about. What he needed was a device that would do the job,” Bose shared. This motivation led to the creation of the Seekr, which has since evolved into a compact and versatile device.
Compact design and AI-driven functionality
Roughly the size of a matchbox, the Seekr can be clipped onto clothing or held in hand, making it unobtrusive and easy to use. The device is equipped with a depth-sensing camera, a microprocessor, a battery, and a Bluetooth module, among other components. It connects to a companion app available for iOS and Android smartphones. Synthetic voice cues are delivered via a third-party Bluetooth earpiece, enabling seamless audio feedback.
The Seekr offers four distinct AI-based operating modes, each activated by pressing a button to capture a photograph:
- Scene Mode: Provides an overview of the surroundings. For example, the user might hear, “Two people sitting on a bench at your 12 o’clock.”
- Depth Mode: Helps users locate and grasp specific objects by guiding their hand movements.
- Supermarket Mode: Identifies common grocery items such as “bread” or “apples.”
- Text Mode: Reads aloud text found on signs, menus, or packaging.
For users with partial sight who are comfortable with smartphones, the Seekr app and a phone camera can function independently. However, the device itself is particularly useful for elderly users who may find smartphones challenging to operate.
Pricing and availability
The Seekr has garnered recognition for its design and utility, including a CES 2025 Innovation Award and a Hong Kong Techathon award in its prototype stage. While an official release date has not been announced, the device is expected to retail for 6,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately US$770). This price includes a one-year subscription to the app, ensuring ongoing support and updates for users.
Prospective buyers can register for updates on the Seekr website as they await the product’s release.
Source: Seekr
