One customer story we’re excited to share is a unique use of Luxonis OAK in assistive technology. Vision Buddy has developed a wearable headset that helps people with visual impairments navigate the world more independently. Their latest device—the Vision Buddy VB 4 MAX—is already making an impact, helping users read, recognize faces, and stream TV with clarity.
Designed specifically for low-vision users, the VB 4 MAX is built around real-world functionality—not entertainment or gaming. It offers 10x–30x magnification, wireless TV streaming with near-zero latency, and adaptive viewing modes for reading or distance. The device is lightweight, intuitive, and easy to operate, even for users without technical experience. And now, with AI capabilities integrated directly into the device, it’s becoming smarter and more responsive to its environment.
Why Luxonis OAK is the Right Technology for the Job
Vision Buddy integrates the Luxonis OAK-1 camera into the headset via USB, with a custom enclosure for seamless fit and appearance. The OAK-1 provides both the video feed and the on-device compute needed to run AI models in real time—no cloud or streaming required.
This edge-based approach allows the headset to function fully offline, with near-zero latency and no reliance on external servers or internet connectivity. It reduces overall system complexity and cost while increasing reliability, privacy, and responsiveness. For a wearable assistive device, these advantages are critical.
With OAK onboard, Vision Buddy is able to deliver intelligent features that respond to the user’s environment in real time, including:
Gesture and hand tracking for hands-free control
Object detection to recognize items like books, laptops, or phones
Scene-aware brightness and contrast adjustments
Text recognition (OCR) to enhance or read printed material aloud
Person detection to improve clarity when people are in view
These capabilities are all processed directly on the OAK-1, freeing up the main system and ensuring performance remains smooth, fast, and reliable—anytime, anywhere.
Real-World Impact That Speaks for Itself
One of the most compelling things about Vision Buddy is how naturally it fits into people’s lives. It’s not just accessible—it’s practical. The experience is simple, responsive, and designed to meet users where they are.
Take Allen, a U.S. Army veteran. With Vision Buddy, he’s able to read again, watch his favorite shows, and move through daily routines with more confidence.
This is the kind of application we love to support—where spatial AI at the edge directly improves people’s quality of life. Vision Buddy isn’t just another hardware product—it’s a tool for independence, and we’re proud that Luxonis OAK is part of it.
🔗Explore the VB 4 MAX
👁️ Shop Luxonis OAK-1
