The most current and surprising innovation in progress right now to assist the blind is a sneaker called Le Chal by Anirudh Sharma.
How exactly does the Le Chal sneaker assist the visually impaired? The idea is to use haptic feedback as a way to guide the blind. The sole has a built-in circuit board that causes the shoe to vibrate as the main navigation guide. If it vibrates at the tip of the toe, it means go straight, a vibration on the left means turn left and so forth. But in order for this to work at its best, users must input their location on an app so that the shoe can properly guide the individual. As he/she gets closer to their destination, the vibrations grow more intense.
There's no word on this being released, but there's a schematic on Sharma's site that teaches you how to make one.
Blind-Aiding Sneakers
Le Chal Aims to Help the Visually Impaired in a Ground-Breaking Way
Trend Themes
1. Haptic Feedback Navigation - The use of haptic feedback in footwear to guide visually impaired individuals in navigation.
2. Smart Shoe Technology - The integration of circuit boards and smartphone connectivity into footwear to provide innovative features.
3. Assistive Wearables - The development of wearable technology specifically designed to assist individuals with disabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Opportunity for footwear companies to incorporate haptic feedback and smart shoe technology into their products to cater to visually impaired consumers.
2. Wearable Technology - Possibility for wearable technology companies to design and create assistive wearables for individuals with disabilities.
3. Assistive Technology - Potential for the assistive technology industry to expand and create innovative solutions for visually impaired individuals, such as haptic feedback navigation systems.