The majority of canes for the blind tend to receive some friction from the ground below, making the idea behind this wheeled walking stick seem like an obvious solution. Despite that, the incorporation of a rolling component into the apparatus is a fairly fresh idea – especially when it's combined with more hi-tech features.
A group of designers from Zhejiang University collaborated on this concept project, earning them a win in the 2014 Red Dot Design Awards. The product would be a long pole-like navigating crutch that can be held comfortably in one hand. Extended on an angle before the blind user, this wheeled walking stick would rarely have to be lifted to overcome small obstacles. It could also be equipped with a camera for sensing barriers ahead.
Wheeled Walking Sticks
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Trend Themes
1. Smart-assistive Technology - The integration of technology into assistive devices like wheeled walking sticks presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the healthcare industry.
2. Barrier-sensing Devices - The use of cameras and sensors to detect barriers ahead in wheeled walking sticks opens opportunities for disruption in the tech and manufacturing industries.
3. Ergonomic Mobility Solutions - The development of comfortable and user-friendly wheeled walking sticks provides disruptive innovation opportunities for the mobility and accessibility industry.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can benefit from the development and integration of smart-assistive technology like wheeled walking sticks.
2. Technology - The tech industry can explore opportunities in developing and implementing barrier-sensing devices like cameras and sensors for wheeled walking sticks.
3. Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry can capitalize on the production and distribution of barrier-sensing devices like wheeled walking sticks.