For Lugano-based Lighthouse Tech, the term “smart wearable” has dual meanings.

In the technological sense, they’re creating smart eyewear–with sensors to promote mobility for blind and visually-impaired wearers

However, the device is also “smart” in terms of being stylish.

Lighthouse Tech Co-Founder and COO/Innovation Lead Dr. Nathan Deutsch explains that the device prototype, the LTH-01, is equipped with hidden sensors.

These sensors signal a blind or visually-impaired wearer when an obstacle is before them, but undetectable by an aid such as a cane or guide dog. (For example. a low-lying tree branch or opened-out window which might smack into someone, from the waist up.)

But while promoting mobility, the device is also created by Italian eyewear designers!

Nathan, who who will be exhibiting in the Swiss pavilion of CES®2024’s Eureka Park® startup area, from January 9th through January 12th, says his startup is currently developing three different styles.

Nathan shared the story of Lighthouse Tech, talked about his experiences in the startup journey and offered a timeline when the beta might be available in the U.S.

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Nathan first became inspired to create human-centered design;

• How Lighthouse Tech’s smart eyewear works;

• The story of Lighthouse Tech, and how they came to create their smart eyewear;

• Nathan’s recollections of his early days with the startup team;

• How the LTH01 frame works;

• Some of the aesthetic considerations that make the frame “fun” and fashionable, as well as effective;

• Some of the style choices that could be available to future wearers;

• A timeline, for when the smart glasses may be available in the U.S.;

• How to spot Lighthouse Tech at Eureka Park®;

• One accolade, of the many Lighthouse Tech has garnered, which Nathan found especially memorable;

• What the adaptation process may be like, for someone just learning to use the smart glasses;

• Some of the obstacles which the smart glasses help a visually-impaired person circumvent (which may not occur to a sighted person);

• Where to get updates on the upcoming beta version;

• What Lighthouse Tech currently needs most, in terms of support;

• One question for which Nathan would like an answer, as his startup brings the smart glasses to market.