Smart Cane That Uses Google Maps and Sensors to Identify One’s Surroundings
By McKinley Corbley – for The Good News Network
This electronic walking stick is revolutionizing the way that blind people can navigate the world. As a means of protecting people from low-hanging objects and obstacles above chest level, the WeWalk smart cane uses ultrasonic sensors to warn the user of nearby hindrances through vibrations in the handle.
The cane can be paired with a smartphone’s Bluetooth system for easy control. Since it is also integrated with Voice Assistant and Google Maps software, it can use built-in speakers to inform the user of nearby stores and infrastructural details that they may not be able to see.
WeWalk CEO and co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who is also blind, told CNN that he helped to develop the cane out of a desire to use modern technology as a tool for the visually impaired.
WeWalk CEO and co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who is also blind, told CNN that he helped to develop the cane out of a desire to use modern technology as a tool for the visually impaired.
“In these days we are talking about flying cars, but these people have been using just a plain stick,” he told the news outlet.
“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 … [or] which stores are around me. That kind of information can be provided with the WeWalk.”
The WeWalk is currently being sold for $500. As the Turkish tech startup gains more traction, the developers hope to eventually pair it with ridesharing apps and transportation services to further improve its navigational abilities.
WeWALK attaches to the traditional white cane, transforming it into an innovative smart cane. This technology increases visually impaired people’s independence and promotes full participation in society via three of its features.
- Detects Obstacles: WeWALK detects obstacles above chest level with an ultrasonic sensor and vibrates when these objects are near.
- Paired with Phone: When paired with the WeWALK mobile application via Bluetooth, the user can use applications with WeWALK’s touchpad, without holding his or her phone. For example, the user can get navigation on the WeWALK device.
- Evolves with Integrations: WeWALK is integrated with “Google Maps” and “Voice Assistant”. In the future, WeWALK will be integrated with transportation applications and ride share applications. These new integration features are installed through periodic software updates.
