Technology that helps the blind to live better

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Smart Cane for the visually impaired
By Jinny Throup
Visually impaired Turkish engineer Kursat Ceylan has developed a ground-breaking smart cane to assist those with poor eyesight through the use of smart technology. The “WeWALK” looks like the normal long white cane that many blind people use, but it is completely different. This cane is compatible with a smart phone’s Bluetooth system, plus it has built-in speakers, Google Maps and a Voice Assistant to help blind people navigate. In addition there are special vibration sensors which alert the walker to obstacles that are not normally detected by regular canes. The team behind WeWALK aims to make navigation easier for the visually impaired to support their full participation in social life. It’s founder sums it up this way: “In these days when we are talking about flying cars, blind people are still using just a plain stick. As a blind person, when I am at the Metro station I don’t know which is my exit… I don’t know which bus is approaching… which stores are around me. That kind of information can be provided with the WeWALK.”

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