In this episode of Blind Level Tech, we are honord to speak withh Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira, to discuss the evolution and impact of Aira's visual interpreting services. They explore Troy's journey from Silicon Valley to leading Aira, the challenges and innovations in wearable technology, and the integration of AI in accessibility tools. The conversation highlights Aira's mission to provide independence and accessibility through human and AI-powered solutions, while giving users the choice between human and AI.
Learn more about Aira at aira.io
Contact Troy at troy@aira.io
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
00:03:00 Troy Otillio's Journey to Aira
00:09:00 Aira's Mission and Vision
00:15:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility
00:21:00 Wearable Technology and Aira's Innovations
00:27:00 Community Feedback and Future Plans
questions or feedback?
email: feedback@aftersight.org
voicemail: 720-712-8856
website: aftersight.org
producer: Evan Starnes
An Aftersight Original Podcast
All content for Blind Level Tech is the property of Aftersight and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, we are honord to speak withh Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira, to discuss the evolution and impact of Aira's visual interpreting services. They explore Troy's journey from Silicon Valley to leading Aira, the challenges and innovations in wearable technology, and the integration of AI in accessibility tools. The conversation highlights Aira's mission to provide independence and accessibility through human and AI-powered solutions, while giving users the choice between human and AI.
Learn more about Aira at aira.io
Contact Troy at troy@aira.io
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
00:03:00 Troy Otillio's Journey to Aira
00:09:00 Aira's Mission and Vision
00:15:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility
00:21:00 Wearable Technology and Aira's Innovations
00:27:00 Community Feedback and Future Plans
questions or feedback?
email: feedback@aftersight.org
voicemail: 720-712-8856
website: aftersight.org
producer: Evan Starnes
An Aftersight Original Podcast
“Holy Braille” to Codex: Multi‑Line Braille That Clicks
Blind Level Tech
34 minutes
3 months ago
“Holy Braille” to Codex: Multi‑Line Braille That Clicks
Evan Starnes sits down with Alex Russomanno, CEO of New Haptics, to unpack the Codex—a 4‑line x 32‑cell, multi‑line braille display powered by pneumatic actuation, a full‑surface touch interface (double‑tap to route the cursor), and mechanical Perkins keys built for daily work. They trace the journey from the early “Holy Braille” research to a desktop‑class device with an external pump, Linux under the hood, and a growing software layer. We cover emerging screen‑reader integrations (JAWS/NVDA/Narrator; VoiceOver expected later), onboard apps (including a Wordle‑style game), durability testing aimed at 5–7 years of heavy use, and a target price just under $10,000. Plus, BLT’s “sandwich of the week” and what’s next for multi‑line workflows.
Contact Info
Guest — Alex Russomanno (New Haptics)
Website: https://www.newhaptics.com
Contact: Use the site’s contact form (messages route to Alex)
Aftersight / Blind Level Tech
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Voicemail: (720) 712‑8856
Chapter Markers
00:15 Intro & CSUN context: first hands‑on with Codex
01:05 Meet Alex—Michigan roots & “Holy Braille” origins
03:50 Early pneumatic prototypes (2015) → lessons learned
07:10 Naming the Codex—literacy meets tech
08:10 Hardware tour: 4x32, 8‑dot cells, line select keys, touch surface
10:05 Double‑tap cursor routing; keeping full braille real estate
11:35 Desktop design: external pump & the “white‑noise” hum
13:55 Mechanical Perkins keys & haptics philosophy
14:55 Use cases & screen‑reader roadmap (JAWS/NVDA/Narrator; VO later)
16:35 Onboard apps/games; update approach
18:10 Under the hood: Linux base + custom UX layer
19:40 Biggest challenge: dot feel & long‑term reliability
22:50 No top film: how Codex protects mechanics differently
24:55 Pricing & form factor decisions (why 4 lines; 8‑dot)
26:20 Community co‑design & honest feedback
27:30 BLT “Sandwich of the Week”
28:50 What’s next for New Haptics
31:00 “Design with dignity, then iterate”
31:30 Where to find Codex & trade shows
33:10 Listener CTAs & outro
Blind Level Tech
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, we are honord to speak withh Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira, to discuss the evolution and impact of Aira's visual interpreting services. They explore Troy's journey from Silicon Valley to leading Aira, the challenges and innovations in wearable technology, and the integration of AI in accessibility tools. The conversation highlights Aira's mission to provide independence and accessibility through human and AI-powered solutions, while giving users the choice between human and AI.
Learn more about Aira at aira.io
Contact Troy at troy@aira.io
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
00:03:00 Troy Otillio's Journey to Aira
00:09:00 Aira's Mission and Vision
00:15:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility
00:21:00 Wearable Technology and Aira's Innovations
00:27:00 Community Feedback and Future Plans
questions or feedback?
email: feedback@aftersight.org
voicemail: 720-712-8856
website: aftersight.org
producer: Evan Starnes
An Aftersight Original Podcast