Guide dogs and canes were previously the most common modes of mobility assistance for the visually challenged.
Now, that is changing with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smart canes fitted with wheels and cameras that give the user more information about their surroundings.
Glidance, an assistive technology company whose mission is to implement innovation in personal robotics, harnesses AI and cutting-edge technology to solve real human needs.
The product, named ‘Glide,’ combines cutting-edge navigational robotics and AI to provide visually impaired users with an intuitive and comfortable guided experience.
Using real-time data from an array of advanced sensors, Glide autonomously steers the way, maps the best routes, identifies targets of interest, and avoids obstacles to help the user safely reach their destination, somewhat like a guide dog.
The development of assistive mobility technology aims to reduce the rate of accidents that occur among visually impaired individuals, as 88% of visually impaired individuals regularly experience accidents during their lifetime due to walking stick defaults and unreliable guide dogs.
