# Tactile Wand is the New Blind Stick The Cand Gets Wiimoted By Ayman | Published 2008-03-07 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-wand References: [tuvie](http://www.tuvie.com/wand-for-the-blind-with-sensor) & [coroflot](http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_file.asp?from_url=true&portfolio_id=602577&individual_id=163048&sort_by=1&) Looking like a cousin of [Nintendo's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flex-controller) Wiimote, the Tactile Wand is actually a 'smart' wand designed to replace the traditional long stick used by the visually impaired. Created by Jin Woo Han, the Wand utilizes a sensor on the front to detect nearby objects and provides feedback about how far away they are with [varying levels of vibration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minverse). The wand includes a tactile strip where you place your thumb that will actually indicate the position of objects around you. Add this to our list of the top innovations for the blind: ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Wand for the Visually Impaired:** The development of more innovative and technology-driven solutions to aid the blind and visually impaired community. - **Tactile Sensors for Navigation Assistance:** The integration of tactile sensors in navigational aids to enhance user experiences and improve accessibility - **Haptic Feedback Technology:** The advancement of haptic feedback technology for sensory substitution or augmentation purposes in the healthcare industry. ### Where This Applies - **Assistive Technologies:** Opportunities for assistive technology startups to design and develop innovative solutions to assist blind and visually impaired people. - **Healthtech:** The medical industry has an opportunity to integrate haptic feedback technology into the healthcare industry for sensory substitution or augmentation purposes. - **Gaming & Entertainment:** Potential for the adaptation of tactile wand technology for the gaming industry as a replacement for traditional controllers, enhancing user experiences and accessibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [T-Shaped Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sightless-remote-control.md) - [Screenless Learning Wands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinoo-magic-wand.md) - [Robotic Visual Impairment Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handheld-guidance-device.md) - [Connected Walking Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-go.md) - [Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-tech.md) - [Automated Adjustment Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-smart-cane.md) - [Wheeled Robotic Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid.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)