A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

See Through Technology

Advanced assistive technology delivering unprecedented independence, safety, and opportunity for the blind community.

Imagine navigating the world with a companion who never tires, sees every obstacle, speaks every sign, and opens doors to employment previously thought impossible. This isn't science fiction—it's the future of assistive technology.

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City Navigation Demo
Why Robots?

The Clear Advantage

Humanoid robots represent a quantum leap in assistive technology, offering capabilities that traditional aids simply cannot match.

2 of 3 founding board members are from the blind community

Superior to Guide Canes

Traditional white canes detect obstacles at ground level but leave you vulnerable to hazards at chest and head height. Signage, directions, and environmental details remain inaccessible without human assistance.

  • Complete environmental awareness — identifies obstacles at all heights
  • Verbal communication — reads signs, menus, labels, and provides detailed navigation
  • Proactive guidance — anticipates hazards and suggests optimal routes
  • All-condition operation — functions in rain, snow, darkness, and extreme conditions

Beyond Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are remarkable partners, but they face inherent limitations. Training costs $50,000+ per dog, takes 18-24 months, and their working life spans only 8-10 years.

  • 24/7 availability — no fatigue, no rest periods, always ready
  • Unlimited working life — decades of service with routine maintenance
  • All-environment capability — functions in restaurants, hospitals, workplaces
  • Zero animal welfare concerns — the ethical evolution of assistive technology

The Humane Choice

By choosing robotic assistance, you're making a compassionate decision. No animal spends its life in service. No breeding programs required. No concerns about working conditions.

  • Ethical technology — compassion meets innovation
  • Employment support — assists with workplace tasks impossible for animals
  • Advanced communication — verbal interaction and complex task assistance
  • Immediate availability — no waitlists or matching process
Economic Impact

The Trillion-Dollar Opportunity

Unemployment among individuals with blindness represents a staggering economic loss—and an unprecedented opportunity for transformation.

$1.4T

Global GDP lost annually due to unemployment among the blind community

$150B

Annual economic loss in the United States alone

$1T+

Net benefit potential from full economic integration

Employment Transformation

Unlocking Career Potential

With robotic assistance, careers in healthcare, finance, law, technology, and education become truly accessible.

Workplace Navigation Demo

Your Robotic Companion at Work

Transportation and navigation are the #1 barriers to employment for the blind community. Your robotic companion transforms workplace capability—independently navigating office environments, reading documents and presentations, and ensuring confidence in professional settings.

  • Workplace navigation — independently access all areas of your workplace
  • Document assistance — reads screens, printed materials, and handwritten notes
  • Meeting support — identifies speakers and describes visual content
Explore the Technology
Current Technology

Tesla Optimus Gen 3

Our flagship assistive platform leverages the most advanced humanoid robotics technology available today.

Next-Generation Capabilities

The Tesla Optimus Gen 3 represents a significant leap in humanoid robotics, with almost no components carried over from previous generations. Designed for human-level dexterity, AI integration, and mass manufacturability.

While our current focus is on the Tesla Optimus platform, Robots for the Blind remains committed to evaluating and deploying the most effective assistive technologies as they emerge.

Physical Dimensions

5'8" / 125 lbs

Human-scale design with lightweight frame for natural walking alongside users.

Walking Speed

Up to 5 mph

Natural, human-like gait with autonomous balance correction on uneven surfaces.

Hand Dexterity

22 DOF

Degrees of freedom per hand with cable-driven fingers for precise, human-level manipulation.

Vision System

8 Cameras

Autopilot-grade cameras processing 576+ megapixels per second for comprehensive perception.

Battery Life

2.3 kWh

All-day operation for light-duty tasks with autonomous self-charging capability.

AI Integration

End-to-End

Modified Tesla FSD neural networks with natural language interaction and environmental mapping.

Safety & Mobility

Unmatched Capabilities

Every feature is designed with independence, safety, and dignity in mind.

Real-Time Safety

Continuous obstacle detection and avoidance with emergency response capability. Force-limited interactions ensure safety at all times.

GPS Navigation

Precise location tracking with step-by-step verbal navigation instructions. Safe street crossing assistance and traffic pattern recognition.

Facial Recognition

Identifies known contacts and describes new faces. 99.7% accuracy enables confident social interactions and professional meetings.

Natural Language

Full verbal interaction for environmental descriptions, document reading, and complex task assistance. Powered by advanced AI language models.

Public Transit

Navigate buses, trains, and stations with confidence. Real-time schedule integration and crowd navigation support.

24/7 Availability

No fatigue, no rest periods, always ready to assist. Your robotic companion is available whenever you need support.

Leadership

Led by Lived Experience

When founders have lived the challenge, the solution is built on real understanding.

Photo of Dr. Matthew Sherwood

Dr. Matthew Sherwood, Ph.D.

Founder & Chair

Matthew Sherwood lost his eyesight at the age of 24—a moment that could have defined his limitations. Instead, it sparked a vision to redefine what's possible for the blind community.

Despite his blindness, Matthew built an extraordinary career in finance, managing a $3 billion portfolio for MMBB Financial Services. His success in one of the most visually demanding fields proved that with the right support, blindness need not limit professional achievement.

"I wanted to be independent and efficient without relying on a guide cane or guide dog. I'm most comfortable walking while holding onto a handler—someone who can see the world and guide me through it. The Tesla Optimus robot provides exactly that: a tireless, capable handler who's always there."

Watch Matthew's Story Read the Research