In an inspiring display of innovation, five finalists have been selected for the Longitude Prize, which aims to create technology that enhances independent living for individuals with dementia. One of the standout projects is a pair of innovative glasses that might initially remind you of the bulky 3D glasses from a ‘90s movie, but they offer a transformative experience for their wearers.
These glasses, specifically designed for individuals living with dementia, feature a screen that displays a blue target. Users can aim the target at various objects, helping them identify and interact with their surroundings. But it goes beyond simple identification; the glasses provide instructions on how to use household items and leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt based on past interactions. What’s more, they come equipped with a built-in microphone and speakers that record and recount memories associated with specific objects, all narrated by a soothing Scottish voice.
Szczepan Orlins, director of Animorph, one of the teams behind the glasses, shared, “The concept is that you simply look around your environment, and the assistant guides you through the experience. We’re trying to bypass learning-intensive interfaces like smartphones and instead focus on natural interactions.”
While the glasses show great promise, they are still undergoing development. Users have reported that they can feel slightly heavy and can struggle with background noise, such as air conditioning. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm for their potential is palpable. Kate Lee, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, which is co-funding the prize alongside Innovate UK, remarked, “AI offers incredible opportunities to help individuals with dementia stay active and independent, allowing them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. By leveraging technology, we can support memory recall and assist individuals in maintaining their daily routines.”
These glasses are competing against four other groundbreaking projects selected from 24 semi-finalists who collectively received £1.9 million in funding. Each finalist was granted an additional £300,000 for further development, with the overall winner set to be announced in early 2026.
Other notable finalists include two teams focusing on different wearable devices. One utilizes sensor technology adapted from football pitches to prevent falls, while another monitors users’ daily habits and prompts them accordingly. If users fail to respond, the device can alert caregivers.
Additionally, one project has introduced a home assistant that combines a screen with a traditional telephone to facilitate video calls and more. Another finalist has developed a privacy-focused monitoring system resembling a Freeview box. Dr. Matt Ash, co-founder and CTO of Supersense Technologies, explained how their device employs radar technology rather than intrusive surveillance features like cameras or microphones to monitor movements throughout the home. The AI analyzes this data to detect unusual behavior and conveys updates to family members and caregivers.
Emphasizing the importance of real-world feedback, Ash stated, “We don’t want to develop something that no one wants. Our goal is to address actual needs rooted in reality.” Each team has worked closely with individuals with firsthand experience of dementia to ensure their designs are sensitive and relevant.
Tris Dyson, managing director at Challenge Works, which oversees the prize, highlighted the exciting potential for AI in this field: “This is just the start of a whole suite of AI-based technologies that can yield real benefits. Where these teams lead, others will surely follow, which is an encouraging outlook for this sector.”
