# RoboBusiness Pitchfire winner Glidance helping sight-impaired individuals regain their independence

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2023-12-15
- Length: 1h 05m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain-their-independence

## Summary

Amos Miller, co-founder and CEO of Glidance, explains the development of the Glide, a robotic mobility aid designed to help sight-impaired individuals regain independence. Miller details the critical design pivot from a motorized pulling system to a free-wheeling, user-agency-focused device that steers via haptic feedback, ensuring users retain control over their speed and direction. The company, which won the 2023 RoboBusiness Pitchfire contest, plans to release beta units in spring 2024 and aims for a price point comparable to a mid-range cell phone subscription, targeting a market gap where guide dogs are scarce.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=8) Introduction: RoboBusiness Pitchfire and Glidance
- [7:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=450) News: Boston Dynamics Spot Art Exhibit and Tesla Optimus
- [15:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=956) News: Tesla Autopilot Recalls and Safety Concerns
- [20:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=1240) Interview: Amos Miller and the Glidance Mission
- [28:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=1732) The Problem with Canes and Guide Dogs
- [34:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=2056) Design Pivot: Removing Motors for User Agency
- [40:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=2427) Sensors, Obstacle Avoidance, and Haptic Feedback
- [50:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=3036) Integration with Maps and Beta Launch Plans
- [56:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain#t=3407) Pricing, Affordability, and Startup Advice

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Glidance (company)
- Glide (product)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Spot (product)
- Tesla (company)
- Optimus Gen 2 (product)
- Soundscape (product)
- Microsoft (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 163: Robots helping people - Aaron Edsinger](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-25-episode-163-robots-helping-people-aaron-edsinger) (Robot Talk)
- [Perspectives on Automation, AI, & the Future w/ Andy Lonsberry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-08-perspectives-on-automation-ai-the-future-w-andy-lonsberry) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [018: Re-inventing the walker with Jennifer Harris of Motivo](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-09-13-018-re-inventing-the-walker-with-jennifer-harris-of-motivo) (Product Startup)
- [Ep 142: 65 Days of Airtime, Racecars Staring at the Ceiling, a Pushy White Cane, and Soapy Water Rockets](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-10-29-ep-142-65-days-of-airtime-racecars-staring-at-the-ceiling-a-pushy-white-cane-and) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [S1E50 Turning Personal Challenges into New Technology | Robert Chappell](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-11-13-s1e50-turning-personal-challenges-into-new-technology-robert-chappell) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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