Student Startup winner to offer multi-purpose smart goggles
Osman Shirgalin, a sophomore student of the Institute of Computational Mathematics and Information Technologies, has called his product SmartEyes.
The novelty of the device, according to him, lies in additional capabilities both for solving everyday issues and for work in production, science, as well as in sports, tourism, and gaming industry. Microcomputer and microcontroller technologies will be used.
“I first came across similar glasses 3 years ago, and then I had the idea to create such a product. And now I would like to be the first to offer it on the domestic market. Anyone will be able to wear the device, as the glasses can play the role of a headset, be used as sun protection or simply be part of an outfit. If all the ideas are realized, these glasses can become one of the main portable devices,” says Shirgalin.
Voice control, built-in video camera for video calls, speakers with bone conduction (sound transmission directly to the inner ear), smart home management – this is the functionality the student plans to attract potential buyers with. As planned, the cost of the device will be about 20 thousand rubles, which is 2-3 times lower than existing competitors.
There are also plans to introduce a system of speech recognition and parallel translation – with the help of built-in microphones and speakers, to integrate sensors to monitor the health and physical activity of the user. SmartEyes is a socially oriented project, emphasizes the student, so it is expected that the glasses will be able to help people with impaired vision.
Osman was helped by Alexander Vasilyev, Associate Professor of the Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies.
“Doctors and medical specialists can use smart glasses to view images and manuals right during operations or consultations, and workers in production – to receive instructions, access to the database in real time. When traveling, the device will help with navigation, sightseeing, and translation when communicating with foreigners. Virtual and augmented reality expand the possibilities of games and entertainment, so the glasses can be used to create game scenarios. With the help of the device, athletes and coaches will monitor physical activity, analyze training, look at statistics and other data to improve the effectiveness of training,” adds Shirgalin.
The key stage was an online interview with business experts, at which Osman successfully defended the product. According to the developer, such events cause stress, so for a confident speech he used tips on oratorical techniques from his professors.
“Differentiation is my main business strategy. I don’t want to delay the realization of the project, I plan to attract people to the team, and this is where the bulk of the expense will be incurred. Of course, a 3D printer would not hurt, I plan to print the first cases on it. Then I will search for better quality materials, now the main thing is to create a working product,” believes Shirgalin.
The grant funds – 1 million rubles – will also be used to create the design of smart glasses, a website and an application to support the functionality. Osman hopes that SmartEyes glasses will be compact, and thanks to its stylish and concise design, the device will gain a reputation as a fashionable and technological accessory.