Researchers design new shape-changing device for visually impaired [Video]

A new shape-changing device could help visually impaired individuals navigate better. 

Researchers from Imperial College London, in collaboration with MakeSense Technology, have created this high-tech device called Shape.

Interestingly, the trial demonstrated that visually impaired participants using the new device performed equally well as sighted participants relying on natural vision.

“The exciting thing about this study is we’ve managed to demonstrate that Shape can help people with visual impairment perform a navigation task as well as sighted people. This is something that we haven’t seen before with other navigation devices,” said Dr Ad Spiers, lead researcher from Imperial.

Haptic-based navigation

Shape is a haptic-based navigation device, which allows users to perceive their surroundings through touch.

The users can accurately determine their direction and avoid obstacles by sensing subtle changes in the device’s shape.

“Shape …