Turkey-based WeWALK is aimed at the 500 million blind or visually impaired persons worldwide, the majority of whom are over 50 years old, according to the World Health Organization. As the global frequency of the condition rises, so does the demand for assistive technologies for the visually impaired.
Visual disabilities provide several obstacles leading to everyday accidents, resulting in a disadvantaged lifestyle that we can improve through technology. Turkey’s Young Guru Academy is working on the project with Vetsel, a European electronics company, as a strategic partner. WeWALK, a smart cane for the visually handicapped, is the result of the collaboration.
It consists of a cane with a conventional appearance and a handle. The device has two sensors that vibrate to warn the user of impending danger at ground and chest level. You can charge the battery through USB and has a five-hour run time.
The urban environment becomes a little more welcoming and accessible with the help of technology and a user-centered design.
In addition, WeWALK connects to apps through Bluetooth, allowing control with a touchpad or voice command without holding the phone.
The integration of apps like Uber and Lyft allows for convenient urban mobility, while Google Maps gives accurate walking directions. WeWALK also has an LED light to help persons who can partially see.
The WeWALK team launched the first successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign aimed at worldwide expansion, selling one device for $349, although the retail price is almost $499.
WeWALK competes directly with other devices such as the MIT-awarded Smart Cane Device, the Malaysian-engineered BAWA cane, and the GPS-integrated SmartCane due to the growing interest in the category.
Check out the Laser Eye Surgery Hub’s global data on visual impairment and blindness for more information, statistics, and essential facts about vision impairment.
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