[Blind-Rollers] wearable

Wed Jul 7 13:32:47 UTC 2021

This sounds really good. If anyone has used similar products, tell us what
you thought.

Becky 

COOL BLIND TECH - Monday, July 5, 2021 at 11:03 AM

New wearable with haptic GPS for the blind is now available

New wearable with haptic GPS for the blind is now available

This assistive device will allow the visually impaired to become more
independent than ever before.

An early prototype of the Wayband first appeared at the 2017 New York
Marathon,
<https://coolblindtech.com/blind-runner-to-navigate-marathon-with-wearable-h
aptic-device/>  where Simon Wheatcroft put the product to the test and
became the first blind runner to run a portion of the course without
assistance.

Developed by WearWorks, the Wayband has the potential to empower the
visually impaired to live a life less constrained by their disability. With
real-time feedback on their surroundings, they can more easily explore new
areas of their city and break up routines.

How does the Wayband work?

Within the Wayband, a magnetometer and compass sensors work together to
provide feedback as to the wearer's position and direction, (they measure
the earth's magnetic forces and calculate ultra-low frequency signals
stemming from the North and South Poles).

Pair that with GPS technology and location data from OpenStreetMap, and you
have a responsive navigation device. It all comes together with the use of
haptic technology.

The greater the misstep, the stronger the vibration. This creates a "virtual
corridor" that helps the wearer stay aligned with their path.

When someone wearing the Wayband is going the right way, they won't feel any
sensations. However, if they start to veer off course, a small vibration
helps them get back on track.

What was the inspiration behind the Wayband?

The idea for a haptic GPS for the blind was born in 2015 after founders
Keith Kirkland and Kevin Yoo were inspired by the experiences of their blind
friend - Marcus Engle, who now serves as an advisor for the business. But
obtaining a steady stream of funding quickly proved to be a hurdle.

In 2017, the company caught its first big break by landing a $250,000 grant
from the National Science Foundation. Kirkland and Yoo used the money to
hire a team and develop an initial prototype.

But after the grant ran out, the company endured an 18-month funding drought
which forced the founders to find side jobs just to make ends meet. For
Kirkland and Yoo, the challenges seemed so insurmountable, they wondered if
it was time to quit.

The duo started building relationships with organizations for the visually
impaired and collaborated with others in the haptics world to discover new
possibilities. And eventually, they won over a significant investor, which
brought an entire network of potential investors along with them.

That helped the company raise half a million dollars - about half of the
money needed to cover their first 5,000 units - all in the midst of a global
pandemic. While the change in fortune is certainly good news for WearWorks,
it's even more monumental for the blind community which will now have access
to this life-changing technology. 

How much does theWayband cost?

The Wayband can be pre-ordered today at a discounted price for $179.
<https://www.wear.works/preorder> 

Source <https://www.wear.works> 

https://coolblindtech.com/new-wearable-with-haptic-gps-for-the-blind-is-now-
available/

     David Goldfield 

Assistive Technology Specialist

Feel free to visit my Web site

WWW.DavidGoldfield.info <http://WWW.DavidGoldfield.info> 

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