Aira.IO gets $2.5M for its smart glass navigation system for visually impaired users

Aira

Aira.IO has managed to attract additional money for its smart glass-enabled navigation service designed to guide visually impaired users through unfamiliar neighborhoods. The company has raised a $2.5 million Series A round, led by Lux Capital and ARCH Venture Partners, with participation from new investors, Felicis Ventures, and a few unnamed angel investors.

Aira.IO’s software connects visually impaired users wearing Google Glass with trained navigation agents who provide audio instructions to guide users to their destination. Agents access a specially designed dashboard that includes live data streams from the Glass’ camera, GPS and other sensors.

The company plans to bring the platform to market later this year. Along the way, it hopes to train veterans and use them as navigation agents.

Aira.IO co-founder and CEO Suman Kanugati said it will use the funding to add 12-15 people, including navigation agents and some “key hires.” To date, it has hired six navigation agents and plans to scale to 10 prior to launch.

[Via: MedCityNews]