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White cane for the 21st century. While many tech companies are increasingly working to make technology more accessible to the blind and partially sighted, canes have not benefited much from these advances.
Born in London WeWalk takes a more traditional approach to white cane. Aside from the larger handle, the company’s product doesn’t visually differentiate it much from a standard folding cane.
The company currently offers two models: the $850 Smartcane 2 and the $1,150 Smartcane+ 2. The main difference between the tiers is the latter’s inclusion of a voice-controlled assistant — an invaluable tool for the visually impaired. In addition to detecting obstacles at ground level, the system is capable of detecting potential obstacles above.
The system connects wirelessly to an iPhone/Android smartphone, allowing users to get walking directions directly from the cane via the on-board speaker. The buttons on the holder can also be used to connect directly to the phone, something smartphones lack.
Parked next door on the CES show floor in Washington State Glidance is a newer entrant on the scene. The startup describes Glide as an “autonomous, self-driving mobility aid,” or simply robot. Rather than a more standardized form factor, the Glide features a handle attached to a wheeled base.
The $1,500 system ($1,799 with an annual subscription) is currently in soft launch after pre-order. The system has a pair of stereo-depth cameras and takes a more technically sophisticated approach. In addition to avoiding obstacles, it will alert the user when they are approaching a door, elevator, staircase or curb, and will temporarily lock when they reach an intersection to avoid oncoming traffic.
The company said the shipping product has been out for about a year. Glidance has raised $1.5 million in seed and is currently in the process of closing a $5 million round.
