New shoe vibrator for the visually impaired helps them navigate the streets in safety
A shoe-mounted device developed by a Honda-backed start-up sends direction prompts by vibration, and app sounds alerts for potential hazards
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 app, 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 company says the employment of vibration ensures that users will not miss navigation prompts even in noisy places.
The latest model of the Ashirase device, weighing 60 grams (2 ounces), is lighter and smaller than an earlier version introduced last year, according to the company.
