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OrCam device
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OrCam devices such as OrCam MyEye are portable, artificial vision devices that allow visually impaired people[1] to understand text and identify objects through audio feedback, describing what they are unable to see.

Key Information

Reuters described an important part of how it works as "a wireless smartcamera" which, when attached outside eyeglass frames, can read and verbalize text, and also supermarket barcodes. This information is converted to spoken words and entered "into the user’s ear." Face-recognition[2] is also part of OrCam's feature set.[3]

Devices

[edit]

OrCam Technologies Ltd has created three devices; OrCam MyEye 2.0, OrCam MyEye 1, and OrCam MyReader.

OrCam My Eye 2.0:

OrCam MyEye 2.0
  • OrCam debuted the second-generation model, the OrCam MyEye 2.0 in December 2017.
  • About the size of a finger, the MyEye 2.0 is battery-powered, and has been compressed into a self-contained device.
  • The device snaps onto any eyeglass frame magnetically.
  • Orcam 2.0 is small and light (22.5 grams/0.8 ounces) with functionality to restore independence to the visually impaired.[4]
  • It comes in two versions. The basic model can read text, and a more advanced one adds features such as face recognition and barcode reading.
  • As of July 2023, the retail cost is between $4000 and $6000 (USD).

Clinical Studies

[edit]

JAMA Ophthalmology: In 2016 JAMA Ophthalmology conducted a study involving 12 legally blind participants to evaluate the usefulness of a portable artificial vision device (OrCam) for patients with low vision. The results showed that the OrCam device improved the patient's ability to perform tasks simulating those of daily living, such as reading a message on an electronic device, a newspaper article or a menu.[5]

Wills Eye: Wills Eye was a clinical study designed to measure the impact of the OrCam device on the quality of life of patients with End-stage Glaucoma. The conclusion was that OrCam, a novel artificial vision device using a mini-camera mounted on eyeglasses, allowed legally blind patients with end-stage glaucoma to read independently, subsequently improving their quality of life.[6]

OrCam90

Employee testing

[edit]

The New York Times described how a pre-release OrCam device was used by a Coloboma-impaired employee of the device's developer in 2013[7] for grocery shopping. It was the small size of the prototype rather than the functionality that gave her added mobility in an Israeli store's aisles.[citation needed]

Added life-enhancement was described: "to both recognize and speak .. bus numbers .. traffic lights."[7]

Social aspects

[edit]

In contrast to an early version of Google Glass, which "failed ... because .. Glass wearers were ..mocked",[8] early OrCam devices used designs that "clip unobtrusively on your shirt or perhaps your belt."[8]

In addition, it does not record sounds or images, what was called "the privacy puzzle that stumped Google.[8]

One 2018 technology reviewer wrote that he wished it had a headphone jack "so it would be less disruptive in places where others are working."[9] An attempt was made to use bone conduction.[10]

USA introduction

[edit]

In 2018 a team headed by New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind introduced use of OrCam devices to ten individuals screened for what he termed "new Israeli technology that really makes a difference to the blind."[11]

Although not the first USA success, it was more focused than a publicly funded project that was authorized in 2016 by a California government agency.[12][13] Also in 2016 the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind demonstrated its use.[14]

Technology

[edit]

In the area of hardware, miniaturization has been quite important, but one major area, software, was mentioned by Assemblyman Hikind, and reported by The Times of Israel[15] is the "AI-driven algorithms" that "reports .. how many people are in a room.[16]

In addition to reading printed text, it can also aid in "seeing" what is on a television or computer screen.[17] Although OrCam can't help with handwritten information,[18] it can reuse information, the basis of recognizing "US currency, and even faces."[19][2]

Features

[edit]

While early language support was for English, French, German, Hebrew and Spanish,[18] others now available include Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese and Swedish.

History

[edit]

OrCam Technologies Ltd was founded in 2010 by Professor Amnon Shashua and Ziv Aviram. Before co-founding OrCam, the two in 1999 co-founded Mobileye, an Israeli company that develops vision-based advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) providing warnings for collision prevention and mitigation, which was acquired by Intel for $15.3 billion in 2017. OrCam launched OrCam MyEye in 2013 after years of development and testing, and began selling it commercially in 2015.[20]

In its early years, the company raised $22 million, $6 million of which came from Intel Capital. By 2014, Intel, which was also investing in Google Glass, had invested $15 million in Orcam.[21] In March 2017, OrCam had raised $41 million in capital, making it worth $600 million.[22]

Marketing

[edit]

One outcome of initial marketing in the USA was that they "reached a deal with the California Department of Rehabilitation, ...qualifying blind and visually impaired state residents."[12]

OrCam Technologies Ltd

[edit]

OrCam Technologies Ltd. is the Israeli-based company producing these OrCam devices, which are wearable artificial intelligence space. The company develops and manufactures assistive technology devices for individuals who are visually impaired, partially sighted, blind, print disabilities, or have other disabilities. OrCam headquarters is located in Jerusalem, operating under the company name OrCam Technologies Ltd.

OrCam has over 150 employees, is headquartered in Jerusalem,[23] and has offices in New York, Toronto, and London.

Awards

[edit]
  • 2018 Last Gadget Standing Winner[24]
  • 2018 CES Innovation Awards Honoree in Accessible Tech[25]
  • 2017 NAIDEX Innovation Award[26]
  • 2016 Louise Braille Corporate Recognition Award[27]
  • 2016 Silmo-d-Or Award[28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

OrCam device

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
OrCam MyEye is a wearable device developed to assist people who are blind or visually impaired by capturing visual information through a compact camera attached to eyeglasses and providing instant audio descriptions, including reading text from printed materials or screens, recognizing faces of known individuals, identifying common objects and products via barcodes, and offering contextual aids. The device operates offline without requiring an connection or smartphone pairing, using onboard processing powered by advanced and algorithms to deliver spoken feedback through a built-in speaker or connected . Developed by OrCam Technologies, an Israeli company founded in 2010 by professors and Ziv Aviram—drawing on expertise from the autonomous driving project—the OrCam MyEye was first prototyped in 2013 and commercially launched in 2015 after extensive research and clinical testing to ensure for users with visual impairments, , or other reading challenges. The technology has evolved through iterative updates, with the company employing hundreds of engineers to refine AI models for accuracy in diverse lighting conditions and languages, supporting over 25 languages across more than 50 countries and serving tens of thousands of users worldwide. Key features of the OrCam MyEye include and voice for hands-free operation, a battery life of up to two hours of continuous use (extendable with charging cases), and modular designs like the MyEye 3 Pro model introduced in recent years, which incorporates enhanced smart reading capabilities such as selective text extraction (e.g., headlines or amounts) and improved for everyday . The device has received numerous accolades, including CES Awards and recognition in TIME Magazine's Best Inventions list, highlighting its impact on for enhancing without invasive procedures. While effective in standard environments, performance can vary with poor lighting or complex fonts, and it complements rather than replaces traditional mobility aids.

Company

Founding and leadership

OrCam Technologies was founded in 2010 in , , by entrepreneur Ziv Aviram and AI expert Professor , both of whom previously co-founded , a pioneer in advanced driver-assistance systems. Shashua, a professor at the , brought deep expertise in and , while Aviram contributed business acumen from his entrepreneurial background. The company's inception built on their prior success with applications, shifting focus toward practical innovations for human augmentation. The initial mission centered on creating AI-powered assistive devices to enhance independence for visually impaired individuals, harnessing technologies to interpret the visual world in real time. This vision stemmed from the founders' recognition of untapped potential in AI to address everyday challenges faced by those with disabilities, extending their automotive AI innovations to personal assistive tools. As of 2025, OrCam's leadership features Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Ziv Aviram and Professor , with Elad Serfaty serving as since August 2022. The comprises the co-founders alongside representatives from prominent investors, including , which has provided strategic guidance through its investments. By 2021, the workforce had expanded to nearly 300 employees, predominantly in AI research, , and hardware development teams based in .

Operations and locations

OrCam Technologies maintains its headquarters in , , at Kiryat HaMada 3, where core (R&D) operations were historically concentrated on advancing AI-driven assistive technologies for individuals with visual impairments and reading challenges. The Jerusalem facility served as the hub for innovation, employing a significant portion of the company's dedicated to software and hardware . Employee numbers were estimated at 200-300 globally as of mid-2024, though subsequent layoffs have reduced this figure. In July 2024, OrCam announced it would halt development of its visual aid devices, such as the MyEye series, citing advances in AI language models that diminished the need for further in that area; the company shifted focus to its Hear division for assistive technologies aiding those with hearing impairments. This pivot involved laying off dozens of employees in (the third round of layoffs within a year) and marked a significant change from its original focus. As of March 2025, OrCam faced ongoing financial challenges, including disputes with investors, while committing to continued support for existing visual aid users through maintenance, updates, and customer service. The company has approximately 80 employees remaining in post-layoffs. To support its international presence, OrCam operates offices in key regions, including New York, , which handles sales and marketing for the North American market; , , overseeing broader North American operations; and , , facilitating European expansion and distribution. These locations enable localized , , and market adaptation, with additional support in through an office in . The company's global footprint extends to serving users across multiple continents, bolstered by a network of authorized distributors. OrCam's business operations historically revolved around AI development, device assembly through strategic manufacturing collaborations, and comprehensive customer support services tailored to assistive device users. AI R&D in drove features like real-time text recognition and object identification, while partnerships ensured scalable production of wearable and handheld units. Following the 2024 pivot, operations emphasize the Hear division's digital listening applications, with provided via dedicated hotlines, online resources, and device updates delivered over for existing products, ensuring and reliability for end-users. The company's model primarily relied on direct sales of its devices, with prices ranging from approximately $2,000 for models like the OrCam Read to $4,500 for advanced units such as the OrCam MyEye 3 Pro (as of 2024), often available through retailers and distributors. With the discontinuation of new visual aid development, now centers on the Hear products and subscriptions, such as for the OrCam Learn platform, which provides enhanced interactive features and ongoing content access, complementing core offerings. This approach supported sustained while prioritizing user empowerment through accessible technology, though recent challenges have impacted growth.

History

Early development

OrCam Technologies was established in 2010 by Professor and Ziv Aviram, who drew on their prior experience as co-founders of —a company specializing in technologies for automotive applications—to pioneer assistive devices for individuals with low vision. The company's inception centered on advancing applications to enable real-time text recognition and , transforming visual information into audio feedback for users who are blind or visually impaired. Initial research and prototyping efforts from 2010 to 2012 focused on developing wearable camera systems capable of offline processing, eliminating the need for connectivity to prioritize user privacy and reliability. These early prototypes incorporated algorithms such as ShareBoost, introduced in a 2011 paper co-authored by Shashua and colleagues, which facilitated rapid learning for object and text identification under varying conditions like lighting and angles. Testing during this period emphasized practical functionalities, including reading printed text from flexible surfaces and detecting everyday objects, to ensure robustness for low-vision aids. OrCam collaborated closely with experts at the , where Shashua serves as the Sachs Professor of , along with faculty members like Shai Shalev-Shwartz to refine core algorithms for accuracy and efficiency. These partnerships integrated academic insights into the prototypes, enhancing the device's ability to handle complex visual scenes without external dependencies. The first public demonstrations of the technology occurred in 2013, coinciding with the prototype introduction.

Product launches and funding

OrCam introduced the prototype for its flagship OrCam MyEye device in September 2013, marking the company's entry into the market for the visually impaired. The device achieved full commercial availability in 2015, initially targeting users in the United States and select international markets. By 2017, OrCam had raised a total of $63 million in funding across multiple rounds, including a $41 million round in that valued the company at $600 million; key backers included , BRM Capital, and Aviv Venture Capital from prior rounds. This financial milestone supported expanded operations and product refinement, positioning OrCam for broader . Subsequent product launches built on this foundation, with OrCam MyEye 2.0 debuting in late 2017 as an upgraded wearable with enhanced processing capabilities. In 2021, the company released OrCam MyEye Pro, a more advanced iteration recognized with a CES Innovation Award for its lightweight design and AI integrations. In , OrCam launched OrCam Read, a handheld reading aid that scans and vocalizes printed and digital text, earning inclusion in TIME's 100 Best Inventions list in 2021. OrCam Hear followed in January 2024, introduced at CES as earbuds leveraging AI to isolate specific voices in noisy environments for those with hearing challenges. In February 2024, OrCam announced the MyEye 3 Pro, featuring advanced AI capabilities including a smart magnifier and improved processing for enhanced user independence. At CES 2024, OrCam announced augmented AI enhancements for its existing MyEye and Read devices, incorporating generative AI features like real-time question-answering and improved to boost user independence. These updates reflect ongoing commercial evolution without requiring new hardware purchases.

Technology

Core AI and hardware

The OrCam device relies on advanced powered by algorithms to enable real-time recognition of objects, faces, and text through (OCR). These algorithms process visual inputs to identify elements in the environment, such as products, , colors, and barcodes, without requiring an connection for core functionality. The system integrates models trained on diverse datasets, ensuring high accuracy across varied lighting conditions and environments, from indoor settings to outdoor scenarios. At its core, the hardware features a compact, finger-sized camera with a 13-megapixel that captures high-resolution images for instantaneous analysis. An embedded processor handles all computations offline, allowing the device to operate independently and maintain user privacy by avoiding cloud dependencies. Audio output is delivered via a tiny built-in speaker positioned above the wearer's ear for discreet listening, with support for connectivity to external or hearing aids. The device attaches magnetically to most eyeglass frames, weighing just 22.5 grams and measuring 76 x 21 x 14.9 mm for unobtrusive wear. Power is supplied by a rechargeable rated at 3.7V DC and 320 mAh, providing up to 2 hours of continuous active use before recharging, which takes approximately 40 minutes via USB. This configuration prioritizes portability and reliability for daily assistive applications.

Software capabilities

The OrCam device's software enables intuitive user interactions through gesture-based controls, allowing activation of features like text scanning by pointing at or tapping on surfaces using hand gestures or a touch bar on the device. These controls facilitate seamless navigation without requiring complex inputs, empowering users with visual impairments to initiate functions such as reading text aloud or identifying objects in real-time. Multi-language support is a core software feature, providing text-to-speech conversion in over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, and Hebrew, with translation capabilities extending to over 140 languages to accommodate diverse users globally. This capability enhances accessibility for multilingual environments by processing and vocalizing content from printed materials or screens. Customization options allow users to tailor the software experience, such as adjusting voice speed for optimal listening comfort and storing personalized profiles for facial recognition or product identification. These profiles enable the device to recall and announce familiar faces or items with custom labels, improving efficiency in daily tasks like social interactions or shopping. The software operates primarily offline for essential functions, including text reading, face and product recognition, and basic voice commands, ensuring reliability without constant connectivity. Periodic updates enhance accuracy and introduce new features, such as improved AI responses, while maintaining core operations independent of online access.

Products

OrCam MyEye series

The OrCam MyEye series consists of wearable devices designed primarily for blind and low-vision users, attaching magnetically to eyeglass frames for hands-free operation. These devices employ a compact camera to capture visual data in real time, leveraging onboard AI for processing and delivering audio output via integrated speakers or Bluetooth-connected . Core functionalities across the series include text-to-speech reading from printed or digital surfaces, face recognition for social navigation, and object identification to enhance independence in daily activities such as reading menus, labels, or signs. The inaugural model, OrCam MyEye 1, was launched in 2015 as the company's first commercial wearable assistive technology. It provided foundational features like basic text recognition from books, screens, and environmental signage, along with face identification to announce known individuals by name after prior enrollment. The device weighed approximately 5.5 ounces with a processor unit measuring 5.5 by 2.25 by 0.8 inches, offering up to 4.5 hours of continuous battery life and operating offline without internet connectivity. Priced at $3,500, it marked a significant advancement in portable vision aids by enabling users to interact with their surroundings through simple gestures or voice prompts. In late 2017, OrCam introduced the MyEye 2.0, building on the original with enhanced hardware and capabilities to improve accuracy and usability. Key upgrades included a higher-resolution camera for sharper image capture, expanded recognition of colors for tasks like selection, and support for over 20 voice-activated commands alongside intuitive hand gestures for control. The model also added product identification via barcodes and denomination, with a lightweight design weighing about 0.8 ounces and dimensions of roughly 3 by 0.8 by 0.6 inches, maintaining 1.5 to 2 hours of active battery life. Pricing ranged from $4,000 to $5,000, reflecting its broader feature set while remaining portable and glasses-compatible. The latest iteration, OrCam MyEye 3 Pro, debuted in January 2024 at CES, incorporating augmented AI enhancements for superior performance in challenging conditions like low light and dynamic environments. It features an advanced smart magnifier that zooms, adjusts contrast, and reads handwriting or text aloud, alongside an interactive AI assistant for contextual queries such as summarizing content or translating in over 140 languages. Integration with smartphones via allows seamless connectivity for audio output or data sharing, with the device retaining a compact 0.8-ounce form factor and 1.5 to 2 hours of battery life. Prices reach up to $6,000, often including training and accessories, positioning it as the most sophisticated model in the series for enhanced .

OrCam Read and Hear

The OrCam Read is a handheld assistive device launched in 2021 that uses and to read printed or digital text aloud in a natural-sounding voice. It targets individuals with reading challenges, including those with , poor vision, or age-related visual impairments, by allowing users to point a laser frame at text on books, menus, signs, or screens and press a button for instant vocalization. The device supports voice commands for specific tasks, such as extracting phone numbers or business hours, and operates offline without internet connectivity, making it suitable for portable, everyday use. Priced at $1,990 upon release, it was recognized as one of TIME's 100 Best Inventions of 2021 in the accessibility category for empowering independent reading. In 2023, OrCam introduced the Read 3, an updated version that builds on the original with enhanced AI capabilities for faster text processing and broader multi-format support, including books, road signs, and digital screens. Key improvements include a smart magnifier function that zooms and customizes text contrast for optimal visibility, an interactive AI assistant for answering questions about content, and hands-free operation via a stand, gestures, or vocal commands. Supporting over 140 languages and full-page capture, the Read 3 combines reading, magnification, and stationary modes into a single portable unit, priced at $2,790, to further aid users with low vision or reading difficulties in diverse environments. In 2025, OrCam released the Read 5, the latest model in the series, featuring advanced AI for even more intuitive interaction, including seamless text-to-speech, enhanced , and improved handling of complex documents and screens. It maintains offline operation and supports over 140 languages, priced around $2,990 as of November 2025, further advancing for reading challenges. The OrCam Hear, debuted at CES 2024, is a earpiece designed for individuals with hearing impairments, using AI to isolate and amplify selected voices in noisy settings like restaurants or crowded events. It employs models trained on extensive audio data to create unique "speaker signatures," allowing users to select specific talkers via a interface where they drag icons to focus audio, while suppressing for clearer conversations. The device includes true stereo earbuds for calls and music, paired with a low-latency dongle for high-quality processing, providing a portable solution that reduces auditory overload and enhances speech intelligibility in multiparty scenarios.

Efficacy and studies

Clinical trials

A pilot study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2016 evaluated the OrCam device among 12 patients with low vision, assessing its impact on daily functioning through a 10-item test that included tasks such as reading mail, recognizing monetary bills, and identifying signs. Participants' mean scores improved significantly from 2.5 (using best-corrected alone) to 9.5 with the device at the initial visit (mean difference: 7.0, P < .001), representing a substantial enhancement in task performance, with 92% able to recognize bills and distant signs. After one week of use, scores further rose to 9.8 (P < .001), indicating sustained benefits for independent activities like reading personal correspondence. In a 2019 prospective conducted at Wills Eye Hospital, involving 27 legally blind patients with end-stage , the OrCam device was tested over four weeks to measure its effect on vision-related using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). The near vision subscale score improved from 29.9 to 37.2 (P = .045), and 74.1% of participants reported overall enhancements, particularly through better independent access to information via text reading and limited support in controlled environments. Satisfaction was high, with 88.9% rating the device as "very satisfied" or "satisfied," though challenges persisted for dynamic tasks like reading street signs. A 2023 multicenter study (published 2023) with 100 visually impaired participants further validated OrCam's across daily-living tasks, including reading, money handling, and face recognition, showing statistically significant improvements (F = 1.67, P < .05) that enabled greater . In controlled settings, face recognition was enhanced significantly, aligning with prior evaluations of the device's AI capabilities. No large-scale clinical trials were reported in 2024, though a 2025 cross-sectional study of 25 participants demonstrated task completion time reductions of 50-75% for activities like reading invoices (from 180 seconds baseline to 45 seconds) and identifying bottles (to 8 seconds), underscoring ongoing benefits in low-vision scenarios. Studies generally note limitations in performance under poor lighting or with complex fonts, complementing rather than replacing other aids.

User testing and outcomes

OrCam has conducted internal beta testing since its early development phase around , when the device was in private beta as a head-mounted camera system for real-time object and text recognition. Field tests through partnerships with vision rehabilitation centers have provided insights into practical . For instance, a 2023 multicenter study (published January 2023) involving 100 visually impaired participants from five rehabilitation centers evaluated performance in everyday tasks such as reading printed materials, handling money, and face recognition, with users reporting greater independence in these activities after device use. Participants noted higher confidence in daily navigation, though 40% required initial training sessions to adapt to the device's pointing gesture for activation. User surveys from smaller-scale evaluations highlight positive long-term outcomes. In a 2024 feasibility study (conducted in 2023) with six participants experiencing vision loss due to or tumors, 80% reported improved vision-related and increased in reading tasks, such as letters (from 40% to 100% success rate) and text messages (from 20% to 80%), after one month of use. These users also indicated an 80% satisfaction rate in ease of integration into routines like shopping and personal correspondence, with average daily usage ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Despite these benefits, user feedback identifies key challenges. A learning curve for gesture-based controls typically takes about one week to master, as initial discomfort decreased significantly by the third week in tested groups. Battery life, rated at approximately 2 hours of continuous active use, has been cited as a limitation for extended outings, often requiring midday recharging. Additionally, the device's high cost serves as a barrier to broader adoption, potentially restricting access for many potential users despite its impact on .

Impact and adoption

Social and accessibility benefits

The OrCam devices significantly empower individuals with visual and hearing impairments by facilitating independent reading, facial recognition, product identification, and navigation, thereby reducing dependence on caregivers or aides. For visually impaired users, the OrCam MyEye series attaches to and provides real-time for text, faces, and objects, enabling tasks such as reading mail, books, or menus without assistance. Similarly, OrCam Hear enhances social interactions for those with by beaming and amplifying specific voices directly to hearing aids, allowing clearer participation in conversations and reducing isolation. These features promote greater in daily life, as evidenced by users who report improved confidence in public settings. OrCam Read extends these benefits to individuals with and other learning differences, offering a handheld scanner that reads printed and digital text aloud in natural voices, supporting non-vision-related reading challenges. The device aids in overcoming barriers like text processing difficulties, making it accessible for students and professionals who experience reading fatigue or comprehension issues. By converting complex materials into audible formats, it fosters educational and occupational inclusion for this demographic. On a social level, OrCam has enabled users to regain employment and travel independently, contributing to broader accessibility advancements. For instance, visually impaired individuals like Jessica Bonish have used the device to read confidential work files at normal speeds, securing roles in and participating equally in team discussions. Others, such as university students Douglas Rudolph and Connor StandingReady, rely on it for textbooks and price tags, supporting academic success and reducing delays in accessing materials. In travel, OrCam Read 3 assists with scanning transit maps, signs, and directories offline and in multiple languages, empowering solo journeys without constant support. These personal accounts highlight how OrCam advances disability rights by integrating AI into inclusive practices, though direct contributions to formal standards remain through its innovative design influencing assistive tech development. Despite these advantages, challenges persist, including the device's high cost—often exceeding $2,000—which limits access, particularly in developing regions where economic barriers exacerbate inequities. programs, such as those from organizations like the Lions Eye Bank, help mitigate this for some, but broader distribution remains uneven, hindering global equity in adoption.

Market expansion

OrCam Technologies initially launched its flagship OrCam MyEye device commercially in in 2015, following years of development and testing that began with the company's founding in 2010. The product quickly expanded to later that year, with the opening of headquarters in in December 2015 to capitalize on the region's thriving tech sector and business environment. By early 2016, OrCam had further extended availability across select European markets, including demonstrations at major events like CES to showcase the device's capabilities. The company's global commercialization accelerated in subsequent years, achieving distribution in 50 countries with support for 25 languages to address diverse regional needs as of 2025. This rollout included targeted expansions into , , and additional European nations such as , , and , often through local distributors and events. Partnerships with vision rehabilitation organizations, such as the American Council of the Blind, have facilitated broader access by integrating OrCam devices into support programs for visually impaired users. Adoption has grown steadily, with tens of thousands of units in use worldwide as of 2025, reflecting increasing recognition of the technology's role in assistive care. Marketing efforts have emphasized experiential strategies to drive awareness and sales, including prominent demonstrations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) since 2016, where OrCam has unveiled product updates and engaged attendees with live interactions. Collaborations with influencers and disability advocates, such as blind social media creators who share personal usage stories, have amplified reach on platforms like and , highlighting real-world independence benefits without delving into individual narratives. These initiatives, combined with targeted outreach to healthcare providers, have supported sustained growth in a projected to expand significantly through 2030.

Recognition

Awards

OrCam Technologies has garnered significant recognition for its innovative assistive devices, with the OrCam MyEye series, OrCam Read, and OrCam Hear earning multiple prestigious awards in and AI-driven technology categories. These honors highlight the company's contributions to enhancing for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. In 2016, OrCam received the 56th Annual Corporate Recognition Award from the , acknowledging its groundbreaking work in developing aids for the blind and visually impaired. The following year, the company was awarded the NAIDEX Innovation Award. In 2018, OrCam received the CES Innovation Award for the OrCam MyEye 2.0 in the Accessible Tech category, celebrating its AI-powered wearable that reads text and recognizes faces in real-time. This marked the start of a series of CES accolades, including the Best of Innovation Honor for OrCam Hear in the category at CES 2020, which praised the device's ability to isolate and amplify specific voices in noisy environments. The OrCam Read handheld device continued this momentum, securing the CES 2021 Best of Innovation Award for its portable text-to-speech functionality designed for low-vision users. In the same year, OrCam Read was named one of TIME's 100 Best Inventions in the category, noted for its ease of use in reading printed and digital materials without requiring connectivity. Building on these, the OrCam MyEye Pro earned a CES Innovation Honoree distinction in 2022 for advancements in and navigation support. Further industry validation came in 2022 when OrCam Read was selected as the Edge AI and Vision Product of the Year in the Consumer Edge AI End Products category by the Edge AI and Vision Alliance, recognizing its on-device AI processing for efficient, privacy-focused reading assistance. Most recently, OrCam Hear was included in TIME's 200 Best Inventions of 2024, lauded for revolutionizing technology through AI voice isolation. By 2024, these and other recognitions had positioned OrCam as a leader in wearable assistive tech, with numerous awards collectively affirming its innovations.

Industry milestones

OrCam has received early media recognition highlighting its potential as a transformative startup, with a 2013 New York Times feature profiling its camera-based system as a game-changer for visually impaired , even before commercial launch. The company's technologies have since contributed to global efforts, including participation in initiatives promoting AI for inclusion, aligning with broader for equitable tech adoption.

References

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