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Hermes: AI-Driven Training Solutions for Low-Vision and Visually Impaired Individuals Phase: SBIR Phase I

Award Number: 90BISA0099
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH
OPDIV: ACL
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: OTHER
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/29/2027

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Hermes: AI-Driven Training Solutions for Low-Vision and Visually Impaired Individuals Phase: SBIR Phase I - Technical Abstract: Hermes is an innovative training platform designed to empower individuals with low vision and visual impairments to gain essential workforce skills. By integrating commercially available wearable devices with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), Hermes provides real-time, hands-free task guidance through auditory and tactile feedback. The platform directly addresses barriers to traditional training, such as inaccessible materials, reliance on in-person instruction, and high costs. These challenges disproportionately affect the employment readiness of visually impaired individuals, contributing to an unemployment rate of approximately 70%. Phase I activities will include integrating AR-enabled wearable devices, collecting 200 hours of vocational training scenarios with remote human support, and conducting pilot testing with a broad group of visually impaired participants. This pilot will assess usability, performance, and user satisfaction to refine the platform. The resulting technology will be an accessible, scalable solution that delivers personalized training guidance in real time, reducing reliance on costly one-on-one supervision. The data from this collection effort will be used to develop a multimodal AI system that can mimic remote human guidance. Anticipated Results and Implications: The anticipated outcomes for Phase I include a functional prototype of the Hermes platform, a validated dataset, and pilot results demonstrating improved task completion and user satisfaction for visually impaired individuals. These results will lay the foundation for Phase II, which will expand the platform’s functionality, available assisted tasks and dataset, preparing it for commercialization. The broader impacts of Hermes include higher quality of life, increased accessibility to workforce training, reduced barriers to employment, and enhanced economic participation for visually impaired individuals. If only 1% of the visually impaired population gains employment through this technology, it could contribute over $1 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The project aligns fully with NIDILRR’s mission to promote independence, community living, and employment for individuals with disabilities.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $100,000 )
2026	2026	THE BLUE DOT LABS LLC	261 S ULUKOA PL	LAHAINA	HI	96761	MAUI	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	1	9/23/2026	NEW	$100,000
														Subtotal = $100,000

Grand Total All Awards = $100,000

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Hermes: AI-Driven Training Solutions for Low-Vision and Visually Impaired Individuals Phase: SBIR Phase I

Award Number: 90BISA0099

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH

OPDIV: ACL

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: OTHER

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/30/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/29/2027

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