Meet Alumni:

Sean Jiang

2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalist
2025 Alumni Grant Recipient

Sean was awarded the Continuation of 3M Young Scientist Challenge Project Grant for their work on their 3M Young Scientist Challenge project Infosound—A Novel Navigation Device Powered by AI and Depth-Sensing Technology for the Blind.

About their Project

Infosound is a smart, wearable device designed to help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate their surroundings more safely and independently. Using a depth sensor and AI, Infosound turns nearby obstacles into musical cues and provides real-time voice descriptions of objects and scenes. In early tests, it helped users move faster and avoid more obstacles than with a cane alone. Now, Sean is working to make Infosound smaller, easier to use, and available to the blind community in Maryland—with the goal of expanding access even further.

What was the inspiration behind your project?

My project is inspired by the remarkable advancements in modern technology, especially in artificial intelligence and depth sensing, which have the potential to transform lives. I am fascinated by how these innovations can be harnessed to enhance navigation and independence for the blind. Recognizing that modern technology is not yet fully leveraged to support people with disabilities, I am eager to bridge this gap by applying my skills in engineering and science. Through Infosound, I aim to convert technological progress into tangible improvements for blind individuals, merging my passion for innovation with a commitment to making a meaningful change.