Glide is on the cusp of changing lives.

As the world’s first intelligent guide for the blind and users with low vision, this groundbreaking autonomous technology empowers users to safely navigate wherever they’d like to go.

Creator Amos Miller is the Founder and CEO of Seattle-based mobility aid company Glidance. A software engineer and business innovator, Amos first developed technology to assist the blind and low-vision community while working with Microsoft.

Amos, who explains that he lost his sight as a college student majoring in computer science, says this particular innovation came about as a combination of his experiences.

And the sound-based technology he developed, for the blind, while at Microsoft, set the stage for Glide.

How it works

Technically, Glide is an autonomous device with two wheels and a handle, somewhat reminiscent of a small lawn mower. A user, Amos explains, activates the device by setting it down in front of them and nudging it forward. Then, using sensors and artificial intelligence, Glide navigates a safe path for that person to travel.

However, “autonomous” doesn’t mean “motorized”. The user is in control at all times.

“We want to keep all the agency in the hands of the user,” Amos says.

Amos explains that the device will adapt to the environment, warning its user about obstacles. It’s designed to allow them to cross streets safely, find doors, safely navigate stairs and confidently travel to a destination.

And currently, Glidance is getting ready to ship the first Glide devices to users who have pre-ordered! While pre-orders have sold out, there is a waitlist available. Delivery of this first shipment is expected later this year.

Basing his new device on his own experiences and feedback from beta testers, Amos and his team have revised Glide several times, to better serve the low-vision community.

Users, called “Gliders”, have a community and can get updates through Glidance’s website, and several virtual “Demo Days” are forthcoming, for new prospective Gliders to try the technology.

In addition, Amos adds, a “road show” is scheduled for later this year, where Glide comes to different cities for information sessions.

Amos talked about his creative journey, shared the story of Glide and offered a preview of what’s next!

On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

• How Amos first became inspired to make world-changing ideas a reality;

• A look at the innovation that was a precursor to Glide;

• The creative process, for Amos and his team, as they designed Glide;

• A defining experience they had, while testing an early prototype;

• An imaginary “walk” with Glide, and how it works;

• How the devices deals with obstacles and the unexpected;

• How Amos envisions expanding Glide’s capabilities in the future;

• More information about the upcoming Demo Days and “road show” scheduled for later this year;

• Details of Glide’s “soft launch”;

• How the subscription payments, for Glide, reflect Glidance’s focus on community.