A new Electronic travel aids (ETA), the "EyeCane," has been developed that is tactile and provide auditory cues that can enhance the mobility of blind users.
The new ETA developed by a team of researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, expanded the world of its users, allowing them to better estimate distance, navigate their environment, and avoid obstacles.
Recent improvements have streamlined the device so its size and weight of less than 100 grams and could be easily held and pointed at different targets, while increasing battery life.
The authors conducted a series of experiments to evaluate the usefulness of the device for both blind and blindfolded sighted individuals. The aim of the first experiment was to see if the device could help in distance estimation,
The results have shown that even after less than five minutes of training, participants were able to complete the tasks successfully. This short training was required, as it made the device much more user friendly.
White Canes were cumbersome and provided low-tech assistance to the visually impaired.
The study was published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience.
