Owli-AI WayBuddy

Owli-AI WayBuddy is an AI-powered assistive navigation app designed to help visually impaired and blind users navigate outdoor environments safely and independently in real time.

Using the device’s camera and on-device artificial intelligence, the app analyzes the surrounding environment and detects walkable areas such as pedestrian paths and safe walking zones. Based on this real-time analysis, WayBuddy provides continuous directional guidance to help users stay centered and properly aligned within walkable space.

All processing happens entirely on-device. No camera data, images, or personal information are stored, recorded, or transmitted. The app does not rely on cloud services or external servers, ensuring privacy, low latency, and full offline processing.

HOW IT WORKS

After launching the app, users grant camera permission to activate navigation mode. The live camera feed is processed in real time using AI-based semantic segmentation. The detected walkable area is visualized as an overlay, and the system continuously calculates the safest walking direction based on the user’s position within that area.

Directional feedback is provided in real time through visual and audio guidance to support safe movement along pedestrian paths.

KEY FEATURES

- Real-time detection of walkable areas using camera input
- AI-based semantic segmentation for environmental understanding
- Continuous directional guidance for left, right, and center alignment
- Audio-based navigation feedback for intuitive assistance
- Visual overlay showing detected safe walking areas
- Multiple AI models for different performance and accuracy modes
- Fully on-device processing without internet or cloud dependency
- No data collection, storage, or transmission of user data

AUDIO NAVIGATION

The app provides real-time audio guidance to support navigation:

- Left: move slightly to the left
- Right: move slightly to the right
- Continuous tone: maintain current direction

Audio intensity reflects the strength of the required correction, helping users adjust their movement more precisely.

ACCESSIBILITY AND USE CASE

Owli-AI WayBuddy is designed as an assistive mobility tool to improve independence and safety for visually impaired users. It supports navigation along pedestrian paths in outdoor environments and is intended for everyday mobility assistance.

DISCLAIMER

WayBuddy is an experimental research prototype in the field of assistive navigation and mobile AI systems.

The app is not a certified navigation system and does not replace a white cane, guide dog, or professional orientation and mobility services.

It must only be used in safe environments and ideally with a sighted companion. The app may produce incorrect, incomplete, or delayed guidance.

No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy, completeness, or safety of the provided information. Use is at your own risk.

PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

All processing is performed locally on the device in real time. The app does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data, camera images, or sensor information. No external servers are used at any point.

TECHNOLOGY

The application uses AI-based semantic segmentation models optimized for real-time mobile inference. Users can choose between different models depending on whether they prioritize speed or higher segmentation accuracy.

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Owli-AI WayBuddy was developed as part of an academic research project in the field of assistive technologies, mobile computer vision, and accessibility-focused AI systems.