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OrCam

Health Tech & Medtech · Jerusalem, Israel · Founded 2010

OrCam Technologies Ltd. operates within the assistive technology sector, providing artificial vision devices for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have reading difficulties. The company was founded in 2010 in Jerusalem, Israel, by Professor Amnon Shashua and Ziv Aviram. This venture followed their successful co-founding of Mobileye, a company specializing in vision-based advanced driver-assistance systems, which was later acquired by Intel for $15.3 billion. The founders leveraged their extensive experience in computer vision and AI from Mobileye to address a different societal need: enhancing independence for people with vision loss. OrCam's business model centers on the development and direct sale of its hardware products. Revenue is primarily generated from the sales of its devices, which are offered in different versions with varying features and price points. The company also generates income from accessories, extended warranties, and after-sales services like software updates. OrCam markets its products to a B2C segment, targeting individuals with vision impairments, including blindness, low vision, and reading challenges like dyslexia. The customer base spans a wide range of ages, from children to the elderly. Distribution is managed through a multi-channel approach that includes direct-to-consumer sales and a network of distributors, optometrists, and medical device providers. The company's flagship product line includes the OrCam MyEye and OrCam Read. The MyEye is a discreet, finger-sized device that magnetically attaches to any pair of eyeglasses. It is lightweight, portable, and operates without an internet connection. This device utilizes a 13-megapixel camera and advanced AI algorithms to audibly convey visual information to the user in real-time. Key functionalities of the MyEye include reading printed and digital text from any surface, real-time face recognition for up to 100 individuals, and identification of consumer products, colors, and currency. A more advanced "Smart Reading" feature uses natural language understanding, allowing users to issue voice commands to find specific information within a text, such as headlines or amounts on a bill. The OrCam Read is a handheld device specifically designed for reading assistance. Both devices are controlled through intuitive hand gestures, such as pointing, or via voice commands. Keywords: assistive technology, artificial vision, wearable AI, visual impairment aid, blindness support, reading disability tools, text-to-speech device, facial recognition technology, OrCam MyEye, OrCam Read, computer vision, machine learning, Amnon Shashua, Ziv Aviram, health-tech, low vision aids, portable reading device, independent living technology, smart camera, AI-driven accessibility