Meet Amos Miller, man who lost his sight in his 20s, built an AI-powered robot to help blind people navigate easily

Glidance is a Seattle-based assistive technology startup founded by Amos Miller. It develops robotic navigation technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Miller reportedly lost his sight in his 20s due to a genetic eye condition.

What did Amos Miller build?

His company's flagship device is called Glide. It's a two-wheeled, AI-powered mobility aid designed to help users navigate indoor and outdoor environments.

Meanwhile, Miller has reportedly worked at Microsoft Research, where he led development of Soundscape, a spatial-audio navigation app designed to help blind and visually impaired people orient themselves. He had also served as chairman of the board at Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK.


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How does it work?

Users have to hold the device's handle and walk behind it. It also has cameras, sensors and AI technology. The device steers and brakes autonomously to help users avoid obstacles.

It matters as the device offers another option alongside traditional white canes and guide dogs. Glidance describes Glide as a new category of primary mobility aid, rather than a replacement of existing options.

Glidance says it developed the device in collaboration with more than 8,000 blind and low-vision individuals.

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Where did the funding come from?

The startup announced a $1.5 million pre-seed funding round in July 2024, with investors including Grep VC, Prota Ventures, Greenwood & Cavalier, St. Johns Community Service and Alliance of Angles. The funding was intended to support product development and testing.

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Product cost and availability

The preorder price is reportedly $1,499, plus a required $30 monthly subscription for connectivity, software updates and connected features. The company says the final retail price may change.

Its initial markets were the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.