An innovative drone device now enables the visually impaired to play badminton. A team of students at Japan's University of Tsubuka have developed a technologically advanced device that uses a drone to replace a badminton shuttlecock.
Dubbed the Drone Badminton device, the Digital Nature Group interviewed a group of visually impaired individuals to understand better the difficulties they face when playing mid-air sports. After targeting certain obstacles - the visibility and speed of the ball - the students came up with a unique drone replacement.
The drone's speed can be adjusted and emits distinctive flight sounds that help locate the object mid-flight. The drone comes complete with special rackets that identities the drone ball through a sensor system. The design team believes this new device has the potential to be used in a wide array of sports and physical activities.
Drone-Powered Badminton Accessories
A Drone Makes Badminton Accessible to the Visually Impaired
Trend Themes
1. Drone-replacement for Mid-air Sports - Innovative drone replacements for various mid-air sports like badminton and tennis can help make these sports more inclusive for visually impaired players.
2. Sensors and Drones for Sports - Combining sensors with drones can create innovative solutions for various sports, making them more accessible to players with disabilities.
3. Voice Assistance for Sports - Voice-integrated drones or sensors can provide audio assistance to visually impaired players while playing sports such as badminton and tennis.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment Manufacturing - Manufacturers can invest in drone technology and sensors to create innovative sports equipment that makes the game more accessible to players with disabilities.
2. Disability Technology - Specialized technology designed for people with disabilities can create innovative solutions for challenges faced while playing sports.
3. Drone Manufacturing - Drone manufacturers can develop specialized drones for various sports that can be used as a replacement for shuttlecocks and balls to make sports more inclusive.