Author(s)

Kaiyi Shi ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ St. Georges School, 4175 West 29th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6S 1V1, Canada

Corresponding Author

Kaiyi Shi

ABSTRACT

The global rise in visual impairment has intensified the need for advanced assistive technologies that promote independent mobility and spatial awareness. Augmented Audio Reality (AAR), an emerging paradigm combining real-time environmental sensing, spatialized audio, and artificial intelligence, presents a compelling solution to overcome the mobility barriers faced by individuals with vision loss. This paper investigates the technological, human-centered, and systemic dimensions of AAR and its potential to redefine assistive navigation. By integrating location-aware audio cues with smart wearable devices, AAR systems offer context-sensitive, non-visual guidance that improves orientation and reduces cognitive strain in both indoor and outdoor environments. Drawing from interdisciplinary literature, comparative analysis, and pilot deployments, the study evaluates AAR's performance relative to conventional tools such as white canes and GPS-based apps. Key considerations include spatial audio design, user adaptability, accessibility, and system integration within smart urban infrastructures. Moreover, the paper addresses ethical concerns around data privacy and equity, emphasizing the need for inclusive design and policy frameworks. The findings demonstrate that AAR can substantially enhance mobility, safety, and autonomy for the visually impaired, marking a significant leap toward inclusive urban living and human-centered technological innovation.

KEYWORDS

Augmented Audio Reality, Visual Impairment, Assistive Technology, Spatial Audio, Wearable Devices, Human-Centered Design, Inclusive Mobility, AI Navigation Systems, Smart Cities

CITE THIS PAPER

Kaiyi Shi, Augmented Audio Reality: Bridging Mobility Gaps for the Visually Impaired. Journal of Electronics and Information Science (2025) Vol. 10: 41-50. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/10.23977/jeis.2025.100205.

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