A new AI-driven system embedded in smart glasses has secured a £1 million prize for its potential to improve the lives of people living with dementia. The technology, called CrossSense, uses a built-in AI assistant named Wispy to provide real-time guidance, prompts, and conversation to help individuals maintain independence.
The Technology: How it Works
CrossSense integrates AI into chunky smart glasses equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers. Wispy, the AI assistant, delivers instructions, reminders, and engaging dialogue through both voice and visual cues displayed in the wearer’s field of view. The system is designed to adapt to individual needs using machine learning, allowing it to adjust to changing conditions over time.
The prize was awarded through the Longitude Prize on Dementia, funded by Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK. The goal: to accelerate the development of tech that enables people with dementia to live independently for longer. This is critical because global dementia cases are projected to reach 150 million by 2050 – a sharp increase that demands innovative solutions.
Real-World Testing and Results
Early trials, conducted by Prof. Julia Simner at the University of Sussex, show promising results. In a study involving 23 pairs of people with dementia and their caregivers, participants correctly identified 46% of household items without the glasses. With CrossSense active, this number jumped to 82%, and even one hour after removing the glasses, recall remained at 78%. This suggests the technology may improve cognitive function beyond immediate use.
The company, CrossSense Ltd., plans to launch a smartphone version later this year, with the glasses expected in early 2027. The glasses themselves are estimated to cost up to £1,000 (though prices may fall), with a monthly subscription of around £50 for the AI software. The long-term goal is to make the technology available through the NHS.
Challenges and Concerns
Experts emphasize the need for more rigorous, large-scale studies to validate these early findings. Dr. Foyzul Rahman of Loughborough University notes that while the real-time feedback is a breakthrough, ethical concerns around data collection and user consent must be addressed. The current battery life of one hour also presents a practical limitation, requiring users to carry portable power banks.
Despite these challenges, early user feedback is positive. Carole Greig, a 70-year-old diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, describes the technology as “amazing,” emphasizing its potential to restore independence and reduce the burden on both patients and caregivers.
“For people with the condition like mine who’ve got cognitive impairment, it’s just an amazing thing…How fantastic that we can be given some more independence.”
Ultimately, the CrossSense project demonstrates a growing trend toward AI-assisted care for neurodegenerative diseases. If further research confirms its effectiveness and usability, this technology could become a vital tool for millions facing the challenges of dementia.
