Frequently Asked Questions & Technical Guide

Glidance is an autonomous technology company building the future of robotics and intelligent wayfinding to serve real human needs.

Founded by Amos Miller — a blind technologist who pioneered spatial augmented reality at Microsoft Research and led Microsoft Soundscape — Glidance is based in Seattle, Washington and has worked with a community of more than 8,000 blind and low vision individuals to develop Glide, the world's first intelligent primary mobility aid for the blind and low vision community.

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Glide is the world's first intelligent guide for people who are blind or have low vision. It's a two-wheeled, AI-powered primary mobility aid: you hold the handle and gently nudge the device in front of you, and Glide steers and brakes autonomously, detecting obstacles, drop-offs, crosswalks, stairs, and more in real-time.

Glide offers a third primary mobility option alongside the white cane and guide dog — an AI-powered alternative with advanced spatial intelligence and navigation capabilities that works for a wide range of users and environments.

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Many existing tools — from GPS apps, wearables, and smart cane attachments — give you great information, but don't physically guide you. They are assistive technologies that are in addition to a primary mobility aid such as a white cane or guide dog. Glide is a primary mobility aid that actively steers and guides your path, handling obstacles and navigation autonomously rather than requiring constant manual interpretation.

It combines the physical guidance feel of a guide dog with the latest advancements in AI technology. Glide isn't a replacement for a cane or guide dog — it's an entirely new category alongside them.

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Glide is powered by Glidance's proprietary spatial intelligence platform — a purpose-built navigation model for complex, unstructured pedestrian environments. Where conventional systems rely on pre-built maps or controlled infrastructure, our platform treats navigation as a perceptual problem, interpreting complex and dynamic surroundings in real time the way a person would. We call this approach Agentic Wayfinding™.

Built internally by Glidance, the platform spans powerful on-device inference, learning modules, and cloud services connected to all active Glide devices. Your Glide adapts and evolves with you, and real-time updates and secure data processing make your navigation safer and more reliable over time.

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Glide is in the final pre-production and testing phase. The earliest preorder customers — our Founding Gliders — are on track to begin receiving their devices this year. Our team has been testing and iterating alongside our community for years, going through multiple prototype generations, including Hugo, Ada, Marie, DeLorien, Galileo, and Rover (the Alpha 2.0, named by the community).

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To use Glide, you hold the telescoping handle and grip in one hand - with Glide’s body and two wheels on the ground just in front of you - and start walking at your own pace. Glide's onboard cameras, sensors, and AI constantly scan the environment and autonomously steers around obstacles, braking when needed.

The handle includes a centered input button, left and right turn buttons, a speaker, microphone, and two stereo-depth cameras. Haptic feedback and audio cues communicate information about the environment as you move.

Glide is powered by our proprietary spatial intelligence platform, which uses real-time data from an array of advanced sensors to map the best routes, identify targets of interest, and avoid obstacles to get you safely to your destination. It will help you confidently navigate crowded areas through obstacle and hazard detection, identifying both stationary and moving objects (including overhead obstacles like branches and signs).

Glide's intuitive design and onboarding tutorials will help you get started on your familiar routes soon after you receive your device. You walk naturally at your own pace while pushing Glide in front of you, and Glide steers the way. You'll quickly get a feel for its movement and gain confidence in following its path.

We are working on a number of different training modules for both remote and in-person training when necessary. Our goal is to empower you to further your independence when you're out and about — whether you've recently experienced vision loss or have been blind for many years.

Glide has two main navigation modes: Freestyle Mode and Directed Navigation.

At launch, Glide will ship with Freestyle Mode. In this mode, you make all the navigation decisions about where to go, and Glide handles obstacle and cliff avoidance, keeps you walking without veering, and identifies line-of-sight objects and targets.

Directed Navigation — which adds turn-by-turn directions to a specific destination, map integration, and support for pre-trained or saved routes — is coming post-launch via an over-the-air (OTA) software update. All post-launch features are included with your subscription, not sold separately.

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Glide uses its camera, sensors, and autonomous steering to guide you to waypoints — or "targets" — that are nearby and within Glide's camera view. You'll be able to scan for stairs, doors, elevators, counters, and more, with Glide guiding you to them once you make your selection.

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Glide is designed to navigate real-world environments confidently. It handles all obstacles - from light posts, trash bins and planters to terraces, bike stands, signs and more - and both stationary and moving pedestrians by gracefully steering around and returning to your original path.

If Glide encounters a situation where the path is fully blocked — like a construction zone or a car parked on the sidewalk — it stops and alerts you rather than attempting to push through. At that point you can work with Glide to decide whether to perform an off-curb maneuver or choose a different path.

Glide's main body is about 8 inches tall with a rounded kettlebell-like shape, two black 8-inch wheels at the base, and a red bumper on the front that doubles as a secondary handle for picking it up. An LED light ring divides the main body, with black on the lower half and white on the upper half — helping with visibility and signaling that this is an assistive device.

The handle, at waist height, attaches to the main body via a white telescoping stem to raise and lower it for comfort and various heights of users. The handle has a softened triangular shape and includes a speaker, microphone, and two cameras built into the device. The grip is black rubber with a centered input button, and left and right buttons on each side of the handle,

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Glide weighs approximately 9 lbs (4 kg), making it light enough to carry up stairs or through doorways without much effort. When the telescoping handle is fully retracted, the device compacts to standard carry-on luggage size: 28 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. The handle extends to a maximum height of 43 inches.

Glide's battery lasts 6+ hours of continuous active walking — the equivalent of a full day for most users, or roughly 30,000 steps. When the device is standing upright, balanced on the kickstand and not in use, it goes into power saving mode. It charges via a USB-C port (a standard phone charger works) and also supports a magnetic fast-charging port. Glide will give you clear, periodic warnings as the battery approaches needing a recharge.

Yes. The handle includes a built-in speaker for audio feedback and navigation cues. The volume can be controlled via the buttons in the handle. Glide will also connect over Bluetooth with any headset for audio, and that includes hearing aids that support Bluetooth connection.

Yes. A smartphone is required for initial setup, account management, receiving device updates, and during use. However, while using the Glide device, you will not need to have your phone out - it can simply be in your pocket while you Glide. Both iOS and Android are supported. Glide connects to your phone over Bluetooth.

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Glide is designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision — including people who are totally blind, have partial vision, are experiencing temporary sight loss, or have conditions like night blindness. More broadly, Glide can benefit anyone who would gain from a mobility aid that provides autonomous obstacle avoidance and guidance.

We've built our community of more than 8,000 members around this population and have involved them deeply in the design process from day one.

Glide is positioned as a primary mobility aid, meaning it provides a third mobility option in addition to the white cane and guide dog. Many users may continue to use their white cane or guide dog in some situations, and choose Glide in others. Our goal is to expand your options — not to compete with or replace tools that already serve you well. You don't need to be a cane or guide dog user for Glide to become your primary mobility aid.

At the moment, no. Glide is designed to be pushed in front of a walking user and is not built to be used with a support cane, walker, rollator, or wheelchair. We strongly advise against this — Glide is not a weight-bearing device, and using it with a balance-support aid is unsafe because it could roll forward and create instability. We're considering future models that could be compatible with these aids.

Glide is not designed to support your weight. If significant downward pressure is applied to the handle, the device will roll forward. If you rely on a mobility aid for balance support, please be aware of this limitation. Glide may still be usable for some people with mild balance concerns, but it is not a weight-bearing device.

We believe the Deafblind community will benefit from Glide's autonomous braking, steering, and haptic feedback. Audio cues can be channeled through the on-device speaker or through Bluetooth to hearing devices. We're actively exploring additional communication modalities for Deafblind users, and there may be developments to share via OTA or accessory options in the future.

Our aim is to make Glide an affordable and accessible consumer device for as many people as possible — while still providing exceptional functionality, rugged durability, and lasting quality.

The retail price for the Glide device will start at $1,499 USD, plus a required subscription of $30 USD per month to cover ongoing data connectivity and over-the-air feature updates and improvements. A discounted yearly subscription option is also available for customers who prefer to pay annually.

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Yes. During our preorder programs, we offered customers the ability to pay for their Glide in 6 equal monthly installments. Once we re-open sales, we will be partnering with popular payment plan services such as Klarna and Afterpay to give customers the option of paying via installments.

The initial purchase covers the physical hardware. The monthly subscription activates Glide and powers its full set of capabilities — including ongoing LTE data connectivity, cloud-connected features, ongoing AI model improvements, OTA software updates, and the infrastructure that runs our spatial intelligence platform.

As post-launch features like map integration, scene description, and voice interaction become available, they're delivered through this subscription. Think of it as the ongoing service layer that keeps your Glide getting smarter over time. Your Glide adapts and evolves with you.

Your subscription will begin once you receive and activate your device.

Regular subscription payment is needed to keep your Glide service active. If you fall ill or encounter some other life circumstance where you are unable to use your device for some time, please reach out to our support team and we will work with you.

If for any reason you can't make a payment but need to keep using your device, please also reach out to so we can work with you.

Glide will first launch in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom — the three markets where the first devices will ship and where our support infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and service coverage are in place. We will be expanding countries and regions from there. If you're outside our launch markets, please join our newsletter — you'll be the first to know when Glide is available in your region.

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We're fully committed to bringing Glide to the EU once we've built the learnings and operational capacity from our initial markets. Launching across all 27 EU countries simultaneously would require AI model localization for each country's unique environments, regulatory compliance across multiple national frameworks, and the development of local service and support infrastructure. We will be exploring this as soon as we get through our initial release.

We're aware of strong demand in many markets beyond our launch three. For these regions we are working on it, but we don't have a confirmed timeline yet.

If you're outside our launch markets, please join our newsletter — you’ll be among the first to know (and get early-supporter perks) when Glide becomes available in your region.

Our first preorder program launched fully sold out on December 31, 2024. A new preorder cohort opened in late 2025, and also sold out. We are currently focusing on rolling out to our preorder customers first, but will be opening orders soon. Please sign up for our newsletter to be notified once Glide is for sale.

The Founding Glider, Pioneer, and Pathfinder programs were opportunities we gave our community to preorder Glide at a discount while we were still in development. Customers received significant discounts and benefits in return for supporting us early in our journey and providing ongoing feedback. These preorder programs are now closed.

Glide will initially be available to customers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. If you're outside our launch markets, please join our waitlist — you'll be the first to know when Glide is available in your region.

Our earliest customers — Founding Gliders and Pioneers — are on track to begin receiving their devices this year. Shipping will roll out in small batches that gradually increase in size. We're being deliberate about this phased approach to ensure quality and a smooth onboarding experience for everyone.

Shipping within the US is estimated at $20. Shipping to Canada and the UK is estimated at $35. These fees are charged at the time of order. We'll confirm final shipping costs as we get closer to delivery and will work to keep them as low as possible.

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Import duties and customs tariffs are already factored into the device price, so customers in Canada and the UK should not receive unexpected charges at the border. However, IVA and VAT charges may apply, and we will notify specific customers of those charges once we get closer to shipping.

For our preorder customers, after receiving your Glide, you have 60 days to request a full refund, with a minimum use requirement of 30 days. This means that after using the device for at least 30 days, if you'd like to return it for any reason, we'll take it back and give you a 100% refund for the cost of the device and any subscription paid, less any credit card processing fees.

To start a return, contact support@glidance.io.

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Founding Gliders, Pioneer, and Pathfinder customers are covered under our standard refund policy. Limited exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis — please reach out to support to discuss your situation.

Glidance stands behind the quality and durability of our products. Glide comes with a 2-year (24-month) manufacturers’ warranty from the date of delivery, covering manufacturing defects. We're also working on an extended Glidance Care Warranty Package — stay tuned to our newsletter for details as that becomes available.

Third-party purchases, individual resale, or purchases made outside of Glidance or our retail partners are ineligible for returns, exchanges, or warranty support.

Warranty coverage applies within the country of delivery and cannot be supported outside the country in which Glide was purchased. Duties, taxes, and shipping costs may be the customer's responsibility.

Intentional alterations or adjustments to the device after purchase void return, exchange, and warranty eligibility. Normal wear and tear, rain exposure (within the device's water-resistance rating), and typical use are covered.

If you have questions about a specific scenario — a drop, a fall, water exposure — please reach out to gliders@glidance.io and our team will work with you to find a solution.

Glide Demo Days and Demo Sessions are in-person events where you can experience Glide firsthand — meet our team, learn more about Glide, ask questions, and try the device for yourself. Virtual Demo Days are also held periodically for people who can't attend in person.

Dates and locations our events are posted on our events page and shared through our newsletter — the most reliable way to get timely updates.

Please email gliders@glidance.io with your current email address on file and the new address you'd like to switch to. Including any order confirmation details will help us look up your account faster.

Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe option at the bottom. If you'd like to be removed from our mailing list, you can use that link or email us directly and we'll honor your request promptly. Note that transactional emails (order confirmations, shipping notifications, and similar) are separate from marketing emails.

The Glidance community is active and central to how we operate. Our monthly Zoom calls — open to all Gliders — are the best ongoing way to stay connected, hear updates, and ask questions directly. Our newsletter is the primary channel for announcements, survey links, and event invitations. You can also follow Glidance on social media for real-time updates.

We actively solicit feedback through surveys distributed via our newsletter and during community Zoom calls. Responding to surveys isn't just encouraged — it directly influences beta testing invitations and product development. You can also email us anytime at gliders@glidance.io.

We'd be glad to hear from you. For general inquiries, reach us at gliders@glidance.io. For support requests, please email support@glidance.io. You can also reach us by phone at 1 (425) 510-6155.

During high-volume periods (around shipping milestones, for example), our response times may be longer than usual, but we'll always get back to you.