# Blind Guide Bracelets Project Bee Navigator Affords the Visually Impaired Independence By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-09-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-bee-navigator References: [designbuzz](http://www.designbuzz.com/entry/10-gps-navigation-devices-guide-visually-impaired/) & [news-mobile.eu](http://www.news-mobile.eu/en/articles/view/3469/project_bee_helps_visually_impaired_people/) It's brilliant to see the number of industrial design concepts that have stepped up to the challenge of aiding the [visually impaired](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-bone-conduction-headset), and the Project Bee Navigator is yet another intriguing invention that aims to operate in a fashion unique to its contemporaries' performance. This device is not a complex one which strives to completely overstimulate the user, but rather it benefits him simply by acting as a helpful guide. Tao Lin's creation can of course mark and save locations with arm movement commands, but it can also inform the user of any [obstacles in front of him](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-cane-2). When embarking on a journey, one can program the [wrist-worn GPS system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-assistive-system) for optimized foot, car or bus routes, giving the owner of the Project Bee Navigator options and independence. Photo Credits: [Tao Lin](http://www.lintao.me/storage/design/2009_project_bee/Project_Bee_report_tao_lin_web.pdf) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Assistive Technology Devices:** There's potential for designing more assistive wearable technology devices for people with disabilities, such as using AI and machine learning for advanced obstacle detection and autonomous control. - **Sensory Extension Gadgets:** Creating technology gadgets that extend the senses via non-invasive methods such as sonar or electrical stimuli could revolutionize how the differently-abled perceive their environments. - **Smart City Innovations for Accessibility:** Integrating smart city technologies such as Google Maps and sensors into urban infrastructure could allow for real-time navigation and obstacle avoidance support for people with disabilities. ### Where This Applies - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable technology companies could design wearable gadgets with sensors, GPS and AI to aid differently-abled people in their daily lives. - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry could develop new devices for people with various disabilities, offering numerous innovative solutions to assist them in their daily lives. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners and architects could integrate smart city technologies into the design of public spaces, offering digitally-enabled solutions for everyone, including the visually-impaired. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Home Device Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessble-home-device.md) - [Robotic Visual Impairment Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-guidance-device.md) - [Wheeled Robotic Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid.md) - [AI-Powered Mobility Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navicane.md) - [Assistive Navigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system.md) - [Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-tech.md) - [Visual Eyewear Visor Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-aid-smart-visor.md) - [AI-Powered Visual Co-Pilots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biped.md) - [Autonomous Robotic Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bedivere.md)