Meta, Milan's Brera Gallery Expand Art Access Through AI Glasses for the Visually Impaired

At a glance

Meta, the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum in Italy, and eyewear company EssilorLuxottica have started a pilot program using AI glasses so that visually impaired people can also enjoy paintings. Visitors can hear descriptions of artworks by using the museum audio guide together with the AI glasses.

Key points

1. 1

   When visitors look at an artwork through the glasses in front of it, they can hear a description of it through open speakers near their ears.

2. 2

   The descriptions are created using the DescriVedendo method, which explains an artwork's shape, composition, and fine details in words.

3. 3

   Visitors can ask Meta AI (an AI that answers questions) about their surroundings, and can connect in real time with volunteers through Be My Eyes.

4. 4

   The pilot was developed by repeatedly gathering and incorporating feedback from visually impaired people.

Why it matters

This is a rare attempt worldwide, and it shows a way for visually impaired people to access art more easily.