- Romanian startup .lumen develops innovative glasses using self-driving technology and haptic guidance.
- Glasses replicate the essential functions of a guide dog for enhanced mobility.
- On a mission to empower independence and accessibility for visually impaired individuals.
The startup is aiming to advance mobility for the visually impaired with AI-powered glasses that integrate self-driving technology to replicate the core functions of a guide dog. The company, founded in 2020 by Cornel Amariei, offers a scalable solution to a global issue.
While guide dogs are effective, their $0.5 billion training cost and annual production of just 2,000 dogs fall far short of addressing the needs of over 300 million visually impaired people worldwide.
One of the rare startups from Southeast Europe to exhibit at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, .lumen drew significant attention for its innovative assistive technology. Amariei’s motivation stems from a deeply personal connection: his family, except for him, has disabilities, which in turn inspired him to create advanced tools for the visually impaired.
Headquartered in Bucharest, .lumen has grown into a 50-member team comprising engineers, professors, disability experts, designers, and scientists, all on a mission is to make pedestrian mobility safer and more accessible.
Advanced technology with a human impact
The .lumen Glasses feature a haptic interface that guides users toward safe pathways. Robert Gutt, the company’s Navigation Lead, explains that the glasses create a virtual 3D and semantic map of the surroundings, identifying streets, sidewalks, and objects.
“The system is designed for complex outdoor environments, such as parks, train stations, or large squares—much more dynamic than the predictable paths of an autonomous car. In these settings, audio feedback complements the haptic interface. For example, approaching stairs or a crosswalk triggers audio notifications to guide the user,” Gutt explains.
The glasses also connect to Google Maps, enabling users to navigate routes or locate specific objects like benches.
Tested globally, delivering life-changing results
More than 300 blind individuals across nearly 30 countries have tested the glasses, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Users often describe their first unassisted walks as transformative.
“Earlier today, I saw a blind person navigating a crowded area for 10 to 15 minutes—an environment with constant movement and people bumping into each other. Yet, they walked freely without a white cane or assistance. It brought tears of joy, as this was their first experience of true independence,” Gutt shares.
In January 2025, the startup raised a €5M investment round led by Catalyst Romania. Before that, in July 2024, .lumen secured €4 million in funding from the Venture to Future Fund and the European Innovation Council.
Following a limited-series launch in late 2024, the company plans to expand into the U.S. market in 2025. By the end of 2026, .lumen aims to sell 10,000 units, making its transformative technology accessible to a broader audience.
