About
NaviLens is an innovative accessibility technology designed to empower blind and partly sighted individuals by enabling them to interact with signage and environmental information using just their smartphone camera. Unlike traditional QR codes, NaviLens codes can be read from up to 12 times farther away, in under 1/30th of a second, across a 160° wide angle, and without requiring the user to focus or know the code's precise location — making it uniquely suited to people with visual impairments. The platform offers two mobile applications: the NaviLens App, tailored for visually impaired users that reads codes and delivers contextualized audio information, and the NaviLens GO App, which provides augmented reality indoor navigation, trip planning, real-time transit arrivals, and multilingual support for all users. NaviLens has been deployed in major transit hubs such as the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where over 100 codes guide users through stations in 34 languages, and by brands like Coca-Cola UK on product packaging. The technology works indoors where GPS is unavailable, using proprietary computer vision algorithms to determine precise distance and orientation relative to each code. It enables more inclusive cities by making public spaces, museums, bus stops, and subway stations accessible to the visually impaired community. Free kits and app downloads are available, making it accessible to a wide range of organizations and individuals.
Key Features
- Long-Distance Code Detection: NaviLens codes can be read up to 12x farther than standard QR codes — a 10-inch code is readable from 60 feet away in just 0.03 seconds.
- No Focus Required: The proprietary algorithm detects codes without requiring the camera to focus, which is critical for users with visual impairments.
- Wide-Angle & Motion Reading: Codes are detected across a 160° field of view and can be read while the user is walking or in motion, making real-world navigation seamless.
- Precise Distance & Orientation: NaviLens accurately measures the distance and relative angle between the user and each code, enabling turn-by-turn guidance indoors without GPS or Bluetooth.
- Multilingual & Multi-Code Support: Supports 34 languages and can detect multiple codes simultaneously, efficiently delivering the right contextual information to each user.
Use Cases
- Helping visually impaired passengers independently navigate subway stations and transit hubs by scanning NaviLens codes for real-time directions and train arrival information.
- Enabling blind and partly sighted shoppers to access product information on packaging, such as Coca-Cola's Christmas multipacks, by scanning from up to 4 metres away.
- Providing accessible wayfinding in museums and public buildings, allowing visually impaired visitors to explore independently without requiring a guide.
- Deploying multilingual indoor navigation in international transport hubs where GPS is unavailable, serving both visually impaired users and tourists in 34 languages.
- Augmenting city infrastructure to meet accessibility standards by adding NaviLens codes to bus stops, crosswalks, and public signage for inclusive urban navigation.
Pros
- Truly Inclusive Design: Built specifically for blind and partly sighted users, the technology removes barriers that standard signage and QR codes create for people with visual impairments.
- Works Without GPS or Bluetooth: Proprietary computer vision enables indoor navigation in subway stations and buildings where GPS is unavailable, using no extra hardware.
- Free to Download & Use: Both the NaviLens App and NaviLens GO App are free, and free code kits are available for organizations wanting to deploy the technology.
- Proven at Scale: Already deployed at the NYC Metro and used by global brands like Coca-Cola, demonstrating reliability and real-world impact.
Cons
- Requires Physical Code Deployment: Organizations must physically print and install NaviLens codes in their environments, which requires upfront effort and coordination.
- Limited Without Code Infrastructure: The technology's usefulness is dependent on how widely NaviLens codes are deployed — sparse deployment limits the independence it can provide.
- Smartphone Required: Users must have a compatible smartphone to benefit from the technology, which may exclude some elderly or lower-income users with visual impairments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes NaviLens different from a standard QR code?
NaviLens codes can be detected up to 12 times farther away, require no focus, work across a 160° angle, function in any lighting condition, and can be read in under 1/30th of a second — all of which are critical for users with visual impairments who cannot aim a camera precisely.
Is the NaviLens app free?
Yes, both the NaviLens App (for visually impaired users) and the NaviLens GO App (for all users with augmented reality navigation) are free to download.
Where can NaviLens be used?
NaviLens is suitable for any public or private space including subway stations, bus stops, museums, airports, retail stores, and product packaging. It is already deployed in the New York City Metro system and on Coca-Cola product packaging.
Does NaviLens require an internet connection or Bluetooth?
No. NaviLens uses the device's camera and proprietary computer vision to detect and decode codes entirely on-device, making it functional in underground stations and areas with no connectivity.
How can organizations get NaviLens codes for their venue?
Organizations can request free NaviLens code kits through the NaviLens website to start deploying accessible signage in their environments.
