# Smart Walking Aids SmartCane Uses Vibrations to Notify Blind People of Approaching Obstacles By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-02-04 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartcane References: [assistech.iitd.ernet.in](http://assistech.iitd.ernet.in/smartcane.php) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3etHWJL2izs) SmartCane is an electronic disability aid that improves upon the classic white stick design. Using ultrasonic ranging, the walking stick is able to communicate to people with [vision impairments and blindness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-bone-conduction-headset) through the use of subtle vibrations, alerting them of obstacles in the distance. While the traditional white stick is only capable of detecting objects within a range of about half a meter, this smart stick identifies objects up to three meters away. As far as the sensitivity of the sensors, the SmartCane is able to detect the presence of a 3 cm pipe from about 3 meters away. The [walking aid is adjustable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roami) based on height and features an ergonomic grip for comfortable holding and tapping. The [high-tech travel aid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system) also includes a built-in battery that's rechargeable and lasts for about 10 hours at a time. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Smart Walking Aids for the Blind:** Developing smart walking aids with vibrations notifications to enhance the mobility of people with visual impairments. - **Ultrasonic Ranging for Electronic Disability Aids:** Innovating ultrasonic ranging in electronic disability aids to detect obstacles further than traditional white sticks. - **Customizable and Rechargeable Smart Walking Aids:** Developing smart walking aids that are easily adjustable to individual needs and have a long-lasting rechargeable battery. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Assistive Technology:** Introducing ultrasonic ranging technology in assistive tech products for mobility support of people with disabilities. - **Medical Devices:** Creating digital walking aids with vibrational notifications in the medical device industry to improve the lives of people with visual impairments. - **Consumer Electronics:** Designing electronic walking aids for individuals with visual impairments that are customizable and rechargeable for the consumer electronics market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Connected Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-go.md) - [Smart Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-go-smart-came.md) - [Automated Adjustment Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-smart-cane.md) - [Connected Sensor-Packed Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caregiver-smart-cane.md) - [AI-Powered Mobility Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navicane.md) - [Connected Walking Support Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stride-senze.md) - [Mobility-Boosting Cane Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextstride.md) - [Empowering Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walking-sticks.md) - [Wheeled Robotic Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid.md)