In today’s age of advanced technology, a lot of devices, gadgets, and programs are built to make our lives easier and more convenient.
While the more recent innovations were designed for entertainment, some companies are taking technology to the next level by incorporating a high level of help and hopefully, to make a difference in the lives of people who need it the most.
Back in 2019, the WeWALK smart cane for blind people was born by a visually impaired engineer named Kursat Ceylan. He is also the CEO and co-founder of a non-profit called the Young Guru Academy (YGA), the one responsible for making WeWALK come to life.
As someone who faces the daily challenges of being blind, Kursat knew the limitations of the current technology that people like him have to make do of. Knowing this, he created the WeWALK in hopes of changing the lives of the blind.
“Unfortunately I cannot name a single city as a perfectly disabled-friendly city that is why we are trying to provide this independence for visually impaired people” shared Kursat on CNN.
This innovative cane includes a built-in speaker, voice assistance, Google Maps Chrome, a Bluetooth system that makes syncing to other devices possible, and high-end sensors that alert the user through vibrations when above chest-level obstacles are within proximity—something a regular cane cannot provide.
“In these days we are talking about flying cars, but these people have been using just a plain stick,” he explained to CNN.
“As a blind person, when I am at the Metro station I don’t know which is my exit… I don’t know which bus is approaching… which stores are around me. That kind of information can be provided with the WeWalk.”
One of Kursat Ceylan’s goals in making the smart cane for blind people is to make the social participation of people like him full, and easier. To him, the WeWALK was made to “support the visually impaired in their full participation into social life.”
This device is not completely new, but the fact that he was able to utilize and incorporate existing technologies such as voice assistance, Google Maps Chrome, and Bluetooth synchronization, makes it a completely new idea.
A lot of people have expressed their joy and excitement for having this kind of device available for the visually impaired.
“Well done Ceylan! This will enhance the lives of the visually impaired by so much!” Julia Teng Roo Seen shared.
“Just add a taser and it’s perfect for all situations!” Bill Ward joked. Even Duygu Kayaman, a proud user of the WeWALK shared her sentiment regarding this innovative device.
“To me, WeWALK represents the end of an era and the start of a new one.”
Meanwhile, the company recently unveiled the Smart Cane 2, a new assistive tool designed for visually impaired individuals.
It includes advanced safety, navigation, and AI features, shaped by input from the community.
The cane provides sensory feedback to improve mobility and orientation, using wayfinding technology to offer a more seamless, user-friendly experience.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated number of about 36 million are blind. Just imagine the possible change and impact of the WeWALK in these people’s lives once they get their hands on this groundbreaking device!
If you want to know more about the Smart Cane please visit WeWALK by going to their official website and watch Kursat Ceylan as he introduces the Smart Cane 2 below:
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