Today we're joined by Saqib Shaikh, a Software Engineer at Microsoft, and the lead for the Seeing AI Project. In our conversation with Saqib, we explore the Seeing AI app, an app "that narrates the world around you." We discuss the various technologies and use cases for the app, and how it has evolved since the inception of the project, how the technology landscape supports projects like this one, and the technical challenges he faces when building out the app. We also the relationship and trust between humans and robots, and how that translates to this app, what Saqib sees on the research horizon that will support his vision for the future of Seeing AI, and how the integration of tech like Apple's upcoming "smart" glasses could change the way their app is used. Cognitive Services is a portfolio of domain-specific capabilities that brings AI within reach of every developer--without requiring machine-learning expertise.

In developing the ground-breaking Seeing AI app, Saqib Shaikh and the team at Microsoft were driven by this simple but powerful re-framing he articulated, "What if we could look at disability as an engine of innovation?" "There's so many examples where the technologies we rely on today where inspired or influenced by disability, from speech recognition and text to speech to the touch screen itself. There's this terminology of inclusive design where if you focus in on one person's needs, then actually doing that can help you create solutions which benefit a broader population. With seeing AI, we focus in on the needs of people who are blind or low vision, but in doing that I believe it also helps us make better products for all customers," said Shaikh. We spoke about the evolution of platform and how the team approached adding new features. "We're always listening to our customers (the low or no vision community) and understanding what are the challenges that they face. And then we're talking to the scientists and engineers at Microsoft to see what are the emerging technologies we can leverage. And with each of these, we consider the type of task you can complete," said Shaikh.

An interview with the force behind Seeing AI, the talking camera app for people who are blind or with low vision. Saqib Shaikh lost his sight at the age of seven, fell in love with computers as a schoolboy in Britain and grew up to become a top software engineer with an inspirational mission. Standing at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and inclusive design, he believes we can create intelligent machines to empower millions of people around the world with disabilities to achieve more and live enhanced lives. The knowledge gained from targeting and solving the problems of those with special needs, he says, can only drive technological innovation that benefits everyone across society. Saqib has had a lifelong relationship with advancing digital technology.