Glidance Introduces Glide The Smart AI Cane with Wheels and Camera
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| Glide smart AI cane with wheels and camera developed by Glidance to assist visually impaired people in city navigation. |
A Seattle-based startup, Glidance, has officially unveiled Glide, an AI-powered smart cane designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate urban environments more safely and independently. Introduced in early October 2025, the device comes equipped with a stereoscopic camera, distance sensors, and motorized wheels that can guide users along their desired routes.
Glide can recognize various environmental elements such as stairs, doors, pedestrian crossings, and even overhead obstacles. Using its advanced AI system, the device identifies potential hazards and helps users stay on a safe path. What makes Glide stand out is its ability to "remember" routes — once a user walks a particular path, the device can later guide them along the same route automatically, even without an internet connection.
Physically, Glide resembles a thick white cane mounted on two rubber wheels measuring 19 centimeters in diameter. The middle section features a telescopic pole with adjustable height, while the top handle has an ergonomic design with control buttons built in. Electronic components include a depth camera with a range of up to 15 meters, short-range sensors for detecting height changes, an integrated speaker and microphone, and a vibration feedback system for tactile alerts.
The device supports two main navigation modes: guided navigation and free navigation. In guided mode, Glide connects to Google Maps to plan a route to a specific address. Meanwhile, in free mode, it simply helps the user walk straight and safely, issuing voice or vibration alerts when obstacles appear ahead. According to Glidance, the free navigation mode is currently the company’s top development priority, as it offers a more natural and comfortable walking experience.
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| Glide smart AI cane with wheels and camera developed by Glidance to assist visually impaired people in city navigation. |
Glide’s wheels move freely at the user’s walking pace. When it’s time to turn left or right, the AI system automatically adjusts the wheel direction. The wheels can also brake smoothly when the user needs to stop. The device provides voice and vibration warnings before making turns or approaching hazardous areas.
Weighing around 3.5 kilograms, Glide offers more than six hours of battery life on a single charge. Glidance is currently conducting beta testing in Seattle with a group of visually impaired users, with commercial deliveries planned for next spring. The Glide cane will retail for about $1,499, with an additional $30 monthly subscription fee for access to Glidance’s AI navigation service.
The launch of Glide marks an important step forward in assistive technology for people with visual impairments. By combining AI, precision sensors, and autonomous navigation, this device could redefine how the visually impaired move through public spaces without relying entirely on human assistance. If testing goes smoothly, Glidance plans to expand its distribution to global markets, including Europe and Asia, by late 2026.
