After retiring from a career in the U.S. Navy as a scientist and engineer, Dr. Ron Peterson’s vision started to deteriorate quickly to the point of blindness. Shocked and depressed, he discovered Braille Institute, and it opened a whole new world of assistive technology and new ways to navigate independently. Realizing how artificial intelligence (AI) could help the blind, Ron now dedicates his time to AI research and instruction.
From Student to “AI Investigator”
“It made perfect sense to launch myself into a second career of assistive technology for the blind,” states Ron. “There is a lot to gain from AI in the visually impaired community.” His research has led him to work with several universities and companies developing AI assistive technology. At the University of San Diego, Ron worked with engineering students to develop a smartphone app to help the blind avoid obstacles while walking.
Daily Applications for AI
AI is enhancing and supercharging the ability of different assistive technology devices that can help the blind. There are smartphone apps and wearable devices that can read and describe what’s around you with your camera—including a crosswalk or signal to help you navigate safely. AI is also making some phone apps more accessible and easier to use without using screen readers. Ron uses three types of AI daily:
• Pi, a hands-free, two-way voice interactive large-language model that accesses the internet
• Recognition apps that can look at photos, help him read signs, menus, labels, and television or computer screens
• Navigation apps
Paying it Forward
As for what’s next for Ron—he’s bringing the latest trends, research, and experts in AI to the Braille Institute community with technology workshops and his new seven-week online course, “Get Smart about AI.” He’ll never forget the impact Braille Institute had on his own life sharing, “They’ve done so much for me, especially as a scientist and engineer who needed to stay independent with the help of technology and navigation when I lost my vision.”
