The initiative aims to improve inclusivity in AI systems for the 340 million people globally with visual impairments.

Be My Eyes will contribute video data sets that better reflect the lived experiences of this community, focusing on unique objects, lighting, and framing. Personal information will, of course, be removed from the data prior to sharing.

Microsoft’s research revealed that disability-related objects, like braille devices, were underrepresented in popular datasets, reducing AI’s accuracy in recognising these items by approximately 30%.

The partnership seeks to address this “disability data desert” and build more reliable, inclusive AI models.

The collaboration builds on Microsoft’s ongoing work with Be My Eyes, which began in 2017. Last year, Microsoft was the first to pilot Be My AI, which used AI to assist with technical support.

These efforts align with Microsoft’s broader commitment to inclusive technology and responsible AI, which emphasises fairness, transparency, privacy and accessibility.

The company has also been involved in speech recognition projects to enhance AI for individuals with non-standard speech patterns.

Microsoft continues to prioritise building AI that serves diverse populations, ensuring technology is accessible and inclusive for all.