sensessight

Sensessight is a term used to describe a class of sensory augmentation technologies aimed at expanding or substituting human perception by capturing environmental data through sensors and conveying it to the user via perceptual channels. These systems typically integrate wearable devices, processing software, and interface modalities to produce augmented percepts that complement or extend natural senses.

How it works: sensors such as cameras, radar or lidar, thermal imagers, chemical detectors, and physiological monitors collect data. Algorithms fuse and interpret this information, translating it into cues delivered through visual overlays, tactile feedback, or modified auditory signals. Some approaches use non-invasive neural interfaces or targeted stimulation to influence perceptual processing, while others rely on external displays like smart glasses.

Applications include assistive devices for people with visual impairment, industrial and construction safety, search and rescue, navigation in complex environments, and professional fields such as aviation and medicine. Experimental uses explore synesthetic mappings between senses or enhanced awareness of environmental parameters such as temperature, gas leaks, or vibration.

Development has grown from early sensory-substitution studies and prosthetics to modern multimodal augmentation research. Prototypes range from research kits to consumer-looking wearables, though widespread adoption remains limited by technical challenges, cost, and the need for robust safety and privacy protections.

Safety and ethics concerns include data privacy, cognitive load, dependence on augmentation, potential distraction, and equitable access. Regulatory frameworks and standards are under discussion to address safety testing, device interoperability, and informed consent.

See also sensory substitution, augmented reality, neural prosthetics.