Frequently Asked Questions

Features

What obstacles can NOA detect?

NOA detects all types of obstacles including branches, traffic signs, holes, staircases, drop-offs, and more - both day and night. It also detects moving obstacles like vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles) and pedestrians (walking, running, cycling). The detection range can be customized between 1 to 4 meters to match your preferences.

How wide and far does NOA see?

NOA captures nearly 170 degrees field of view, similar to human eyes. It has day and night vision up to 15 meters away, providing ample reaction time in most situations.

Can NOA detect holes?

NOA detects holes and drop-offs of 30 cm and above, warning users with a lower-pitched sound to indicate it's coming from the floor. We recommend using a white cane to identify smaller level changes and texture differences.

Can NOA detect walls?

Yes, NOA can detect walls and help you follow them. When following a wall, NOA produces a distinct buzzing sound that changes in intensity based on your distance from the wall, helping you maintain a consistent path alongside it.

Can NOA detect doors?

Yes, NOA detects doors and doorways, both open and closed. It can also identify different types of doors like sliding doors, revolving doors, and elevator doors.

Can I ask NOA to only detect head level obstacles?

Yes, this is available as a setting in the NOA app. In this mode, NOA specifically focuses on detecting obstacles that hang at head height which a cane cannot detect, like low-hanging branches or protruding traffic signs. Ground-level obstacles and walls that your cane can detect will not trigger notifications, allowing you to focus solely on head-level hazards.

Can I ask NOA to only detect upper body obstacles?

Yes, similar to the head-level detection mode, NOA can be configured to detect obstacles from waist to head height. This setting is useful when you want to be alerted about obstacles that might impact your upper body while using your cane for ground-level detection. The device will warn you about obstacles like protruding mailboxes, hanging signs, or partially open windows, while ignoring ground-level obstacles that your cane can detect.

What kind of feedback does it provide?

NOA provides spatial audio feedback through headphones, preferably bone conduction headphones like the Shokz Open Run Pro that leave your ears free for ambient sounds. When detecting obstacles (e.g., a tree branch at head-level on your left), it generates directional "beeps" with pitch indicating height - high pitch for head-level, low pitch for ground-level obstacles.

How accurate is NOA with distances and angles?

NOA uses high-precision depth cameras that are accurate to the centimeter level for measuring distances and angles. We combine this precise hardware with advanced vision language models to create AI that can accurately interpret spatial relationships. This allows NOA to provide highly reliable information about obstacle distances, intersection angles, and environmental layouts. The system continuously calibrates itself to maintain accuracy even with movement and different lighting conditions.

Does NOA have its own GPS?

No, NOA relies on your smartphone's GPS for navigation features. This allows for more accurate positioning and real-time updates to navigation instructions while keeping the device lighter and more energy efficient. However, NOA has its own compass, allowing you to safely store your smartphone while navigating accurately. The instructions are computed from your shoulders directly.

Can NOA help with crosswalks?

Yes, NOA describes the full intersection layout, including crosswalks, traffic lights, and pedestrian signals. It provides information about intersection type (T-junction, 4-way, etc.), traffic flow direction, and presence of pedestrian islands or refuge areas.

Can NOA describe the scene around me?

Yes, NOA can provide detailed descriptions of your surroundings through its AI scene description feature. It can identify buildings, landmarks, street furniture, and describe the general layout of the environment. This feature requires an internet connection.

Can NOA read text?

Yes, NOA can read text from signs, displays, and documents when using the text recognition feature in the NOA app. This includes street signs, store names, menus, and other text in your environment. This feature requires an internet connection.

Can I ask oral questions to NOA?

Not yet, but we're working on it.

Can NOA be used with a guide dog?

Yes, NOA works well with guide dogs. When used with a guide dog, NOA focuses on detecting obstacles that the dog might miss, like overhanging branches or obstacles at head height, complementing rather than interfering with your guide dog's work.

If I'm in guide dog mode, can NOA help me find grass areas?

Yes, NOA can detect and identify grass areas through its AI vision system. This is one of the environmental features specifically included in our AI classification system to help guide dog users locate relief areas for their dogs.

Do I need a smartphone to use NOA?

While obstacle avoidance works standalone, a smartphone provides GPS navigation instructions and network-dependent AI features.

Do I need the NOA app every time I use NOA?

No, you only need the NOA app for initial device setup. After that, the app is only required when you want to set up a new GPS destination. All other features, including obstacle detection and navigation to saved destinations, work without needing to access the app.

Which languages does NOA support?

NOA supports English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Italian, and many more languages to come.

Can I adjust the playback speed of NOA's AI voices?

Yes, you can adjust the playback speed of NOA's AI voices through the app settings. You can choose between normal speed (1x), moderately faster (1.5x), or double speed (2x) to match your listening preferences.

Does NOA support both metric and imperial units?

Yes, NOA supports both metric (meters) and imperial (feet) units. You can easily switch between measurement systems through the NOA app settings to receive distance information in your preferred format.

How can I learn to use NOA?

NOA comes with a comprehensive user manual that guides you through all features and settings. You can access the user manual. The manual covers everything from basic setup to advanced features, helping you get the most out of your device.

Technical Specs

How long does NOA's battery last?

NOA's battery lasts up to 3 hours of continuous use on a single charge, usually more than enough for a full day of walk. The device automatically enters deep sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity and wakes up when moved, so you can leave it on a table while grabbing a coffee and resume your walk later. The battery can be fully recharged in about 3 hours. 2 batteries are provided. You can swap the batteries and the device will restart in less than 12 seconds.

How heavy is NOA?

NOA weighs approximately 1 kg. Most people highlight that they find it light on their shoulders. Go to "A day with NOA" to hear more testimonials.

Does NOA work under the rain?

NOA is IP43 rated for light to medium rain. Performance may degrade in heavy rain, so we include a rainproof travel bag for quick protection.

Does NOA work at night?

Yes, most features including obstacle detection, hole detection, and GPS navigation work at night. AI description features might have limited functionality.

Does NOA work indoors?

All features except GPS navigation work reliably indoors. GPS navigation requires outdoor use for accurate performance.

Can I wear NOA on a backpack?

Yes, NOA's flexible straps easily adapt to sit on top of a backpack.

How do I store NOA?

NOA comes with a protective travel bag. The device can be flattened and stored in the bag in about 10 seconds.

Users & Accessibility

Can NOA be used with kids?

The current version requires users to be at least 1.40 meters tall for comfortable use.

Is NOA compatible with various conditions?

Yes! NOA works with users who have retinitis pigmentosa (with helpful infrared cameras for low light), age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, optic nerve damage, hemispatial neglects/field cuts (customizable through app settings), and other vision impairments. NOA is also compatible with wheelchair users through a specific mode in the NOA app.

Does it replace traditional mobility aids?

No, NOA complements rather than replaces white canes or guide dogs. We value these primary aids for protecting the immediate space in front of you and designed NOA to work alongside them.

Can NOA repeat instructions if I didn't hear them?

Yes, you can ask NOA to repeat any instruction by pressing the "repeat" button on the device. NOA will clearly repeat its last instruction.

Can I adjust NOA's volume?

Yes, you can easily adjust NOA's volume using the volume buttons on the device or through the NOA companion app.

Can I put NOA on pause?

Yes, you can pause NOA in two ways: Either press the large central button on the right chest module, or simply stop walking - NOA will automatically detect that you've stopped moving and pause itself. When paused, NOA will not provide any audio feedback until reactivated.

Maintenance & Updates

How will the product evolve?

NOA's AI is continuously developed and tested to enhance features based on user feedback. Regular updates ensure access to the latest improvements.

How often is NOA updated?

Updates occur every 3 months, with email notifications sent one week prior.

How do I update NOA?

With your device ON and connected to WiFi, open the NOA companion app, go to My NOA, and click Updates. Follow on-screen instructions for the 5-minute update process.

Are updates free?

Yes.

What if I break the device?

For hardware issues like broken glass, contact support@biped.ai for manufacturer repairs.

Pricing & Plans

What payment options are available?

NOA offers 2 payment plans: One-time purchase with no monthly fees, at 4950€, or a weekly plan at 24€. See our pricing page for more details.

What payment options are available?

NOA offers 2 payment plans: One-time purchase with no monthly fees, at 4950€, or a weekly plan at 24€. Both options come with a 30-day money back guarantee. Shipping fees are not included and must be covered by the customer. See our pricing page for more details.

What happens after 48 months?

Payments stop after 48 months. While warranty expires, customers can upgrade to newer models at a discount.

What's the cancellation policy?

Monthly payments are non-refundable. 75% of the initial downpayment may be refunded depending on device condition.

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