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The white cane for the 21st century. While many technology companies have worked increasingly to make technology more accessible to the blind and visually impaired, the canes have not benefited much from these advances.
born in London Let’s go takes a more traditional approach to white cane. Beyond the bulkier handle, not much distinguishes the company’s product visually from a standard folding cane.
The company currently offers two models: the $ 850 Smartcane 2 and $ 1,150 Smartcane + 2. The primary distinction between the levels is the inclusion of the latter of a voice-controlled assistant – an apparently invaluable tool for a visually impaired person in journey In addition to detecting obstacles at ground level, the system is capable of spotting potential obstacles above.
The system connects wirelessly to an iPhone/Android smartphone, allowing users to get driving directions directly from the barrel via an on-board speaker. The buttons on the handle can also be used to interface directly with the phone, bringing a tactile experience that smartphones lack.
Parked next to the CES show floor, based in Washington state Glidance is a much newer entrant on the scene. The startup describes its product, Glide, as an “autonomous, self-driving mobility aid,” or, simply put, a robot. Instead of the more standardized form factor, Glide features a handle attached to a wheel base.
The $1,500 system ($1,799 with an annual subscription) is currently in soft launch mode, after an initial pre-order. The system features a pair of stereo-depth cameras and takes a more technically sophisticated approach. In addition to avoiding obstacles, it will warn users when they approach a door, elevator, stairs or curb, and will temporarily close when they reach an intersection to avoid oncoming traffic.
The company says that a shipping product is about a year. Glidance raised a $1.5 million pre-seed and is currently in the process of closing a $5 million seed round.
