A young Nigerian inventor from Kano is developing smart glasses designed to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings with greater independence.
Khalifa Aminu, who began working on the project as a teenager, first attracted attention in 2024 after developing glasses equipped with ultrasonic and infrared sensors to detect obstacles.
When an obstacle is detected, the sensors trigger an audio alert, warning the wearer of objects in their path. Aminu developed the early prototype after seeing visually impaired people in his community struggle with mobility.
The inventor also tested the prototype with a visually impaired person in his community. Feedback from the test led to proposed improvements, including smaller components, a wireless switch and clearer alerts.
From sensor glasses to AI
Aminu has continued developing the idea. In 2026, now aged 20, he introduced Glass V2, an upgraded version that incorporates artificial intelligence and tracking capabilities.
The newer system is intended to provide users with more information about their surroundings, while GPS and connectivity features can help with location tracking. Aminu has also been working on voice-based interaction for the technology.
Nigeria’s National Commission for Persons with Disabilities previously invited Aminu to Abuja to demonstrate his invention and indicated interest in assessing and supporting the technology.
Despite the attention surrounding the invention, the glasses remain under development. Independent technical testing and full specifications for the newer version have not yet been publicly established, meaning the device should be viewed as an emerging assistive-technology prototype rather than a proven replacement for established mobility aids.
Aminu’s work nevertheless highlights how young African innovators are using locally developed technology to address practical challenges facing their communities.
From a simple pair of glasses to an ambitious AI-powered assistive device, Aminu’s project is another example of technology being explored to make mobility more accessible.
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