**Meta’s Project Aria: Unveiling the Future of Smart Glasses with Orion**
In September, **Meta** unveiled a new pair of smart glasses, and while they are not yet consumer-ready, we have gained insight into how researchers are testing them. This initiative is part of Meta’s **Project Aria**, a research effort focused on discovering the possibilities of augmented reality (AR) through its **Orion smart glasses**, which were initially presented at Meta Connect a few months ago.
Although Orion remains in the prototype stage and will not be accessible to the public for a while, the ongoing research provides a glimpse into the potential capabilities of these glasses in the future. Here are four intriguing research projects currently being pursued with Orion as part of Project Aria.
### 1. Driving Enhancement
Researchers at **IIIT Hyderabad** in India are utilizing machine learning and Orion to improve driving safety. By monitoring what the wearer focuses on, the glasses could alert drivers to overlooked dangers. For example, if you are about to make a right turn and don’t notice a pedestrian, the glasses could provide a warning in advance, aiding in accident prevention.
### 2. Aid for the Visually Impaired
At **Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute**, scientists are creating technology to assist visually impaired people in navigating intricate indoor spaces. One instance involves generating a 3D indoor map of Pittsburgh’s airport. With this technology, a user wearing Orion glasses could receive audio instructions from an integrated assistant, leading them through the airport and helping them locate their destination.
### 3. Assistance for Those with Hearing Loss
Researchers at the **University of Iowa** are focused on a simpler yet equally meaningful use of Orion. They are employing the glasses to deliver visual alerts for those with hearing impairments. For instance, when a sound occurs, the glasses could reveal on their heads-up display (HUD) the source of the noise. While this application may not showcase the full potential of AR, it could greatly enhance the everyday experiences of those with hearing challenges.
### 4. Help with Complex Tasks
At the **University of Bristol**, researchers are gathering data from skilled professionals, such as chefs and mechanics, to support novices in executing intricate tasks. In the future, Orion could guide users through procedures step-by-step, indicating which parts to install, the sequence, and the precise placement. This could revolutionize assistance for individuals undertaking complex operations.
### When Can We Anticipate Orion?
At this point, Orion is still a prototype, so a consumer version should not be expected anytime soon. However, if you’re keen to try out these advanced glasses, a market-ready version is projected to be released by **2030** at the latest.
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