# GPS Walking Sticks The Sonicane 2.0 Lets the Blind Guide Themselves By Michael Hines | Published 2012-01-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonicane-2-0 References: [designbuzz](http://www.designbuzz.com/sonicane-20-ultimate-sound-gps-device-helps-blind-navigate-public-spaces.html) & [coroflot](http://www.coroflot.com/ziralmanse/sonicane-ultimate-sound-gps-for-device-for-blind/1) The Sonicane 2.0 is a tech-savvy [walking stick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roami) designed by Soonjae Kwon. Kwon's cane is meant to [give the blind more freedom](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology) in their travels and is equipped with GPS. The Sonicane 2.0 gives feedback to the user in either braille or through sound. The cane's built-in GPS helps lead its user around the city and its vibrating nub helps direct the person which direction to head in next. The Sonicane 2.0 is designed to keep the blind safe at night with its built-in nightlight that alerts motorists and other pedestrians of the walker's presence. Designers are doing their best to ensure that the sightless aren't left behind during the rapid advancement of technology. It won't be soon before designs such as Kwon's are the norm rather than the exception. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## 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 - **Smart Walking Aids:** The development of smart walking aids equipped with GPS and sensory feedback will improve the mobility and independence of visually-impaired individuals. - **Assistive Technology:** The use of assistive technology such as the Sonicane 2.0 highlights the potential for innovation in creating accessible products that cater to the needs of differently-abled individuals. - **Inclusive Design:** There is a growing trend towards inclusive design in the development of products, as designers recognize the importance of catering to diverse user needs and ensuring accessibility for all individuals. ### Where This Applies - **Healthcare Technology:** The healthcare technology industry has significant potential to leverage smart technology and design principles in the development of assistive devices for individuals with different abilities. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies could develop more accessible devices by incorporating sensory feedback and location-based services into their products. - **Assistive Devices:** The assistive device industry is poised for rapid growth as the global population ages and demand increases for technologies that enhance accessibility and mobility for individuals with varying needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Connected Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-go.md) - [Connected Sensor-Packed Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caregiver-smart-cane.md) - [Smart Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-go-smart-came.md) - [AI-Powered Mobility Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navicane.md) - [Automated Adjustment Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-smart-cane.md) - [Connected Walking Support Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stride-senze.md) - [Mobility-Boosting Cane Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextstride.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)