KYODO – A start-up backed by Japanese carmaker Honda Motor has launched a shoe-mounted vibration device to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings.
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KYODO – A start-up backed by Japanese carmaker Honda Motor has launched a shoe-mounted vibration device to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings.
Paired with a smartphone application, the device developed by Ashirase wraps around the foot and sends prompts by vibration. It contains a motion sensor to detect the user’s position and signal a turn at the appropriate time.
The app, which also provides audio navigation, selects the most accessible route for people with impaired vision, allows destinations to be set with various search options such as “the nearest bathroom” and issues audio alerts for potential hazards such as railway crossings and road intersections.
The company says the employment of vibration ensures that users will not miss navigation prompts even in noisy…