Argentina has more than 900,000 people with some degree of visual impairmentand worldwide, this figure amounts to 1.3 billion, according to the WHO. For millions of people facing challenges daily when moving, a innovative device It promises to revolutionize your autonomy and security in diverse environments.
shapea technological advance in the haptic navigation, It emerges as a disruptive alternative to traditional canes. This invention not only transforms the experience of moving, but also opens new doors to a greater independence for blind people.
How Shape works, the device that could replace canes for the blind
Shape is the result of a joint effort between researchers froml Imperial College London, the company MakeSense Technology and the Bravo Victor charity. This innovative device uses the haptic perception, a technology that allows interpreting the environment through touch, offering blind people a completely new way of orient.
The design of this great invention, which resembles a flashlight, allows modify its shape for convey instructions to the user. For example, it bends to point the direction to take and straightens when the user points the right way. This ability to change shape sets it apart from other assistive technology devices based solely on vibrations.
The idea of Shape was born from the need to improve existing mobility tools, such as canes and guide dogs, which, although useful, have limitations. During its development, tests were carried out, the results of which were published in the journal Nature Scientific Reportsdemonstrating its effectiveness in allowing blind people to move with precision comparable to that of sighted people.
Ad Spiers, iThe main researcher of the project, highlights that Shape takes tactile perception to another level, offering a richer and more detailed interaction than simple vibration. This advancement marks a major shift in how blind people can experience the world around them.
How Shape can improve the autonomy of blind people
One of the main benefits of this tool is that it offers greater independence to those who use it. By enabling more precise and fluid navigation, this device eliminates the need to rely on third parties, such as human guides, and complements traditional mobility tools.
Additionally, Shape improves security by detect obstacles earlier and precision. This feature is especially useful in complex urban environments, where dangers can be constant and difficult to anticipate with a traditional cane. With this invention, users can anticipate these obstacles and make quick and safe decisions.
Finally, this device also opens up new opportunities for blind people in terms of access to spaces that may have previously seemed unreachable. Whether exploring unfamiliar areas or performing everyday tasks with greater confidence, Shape redefines what it means to move freely for a significant portion of the population.
Source: Ambito
