One of the many benefits of technology is the realm of possibilities it has opened for the disabled. The latest of these endeavors comes from an interesting source. Toyota’s latest projects aim to help the blind with their version of an Apple Watch-like wearable device.
TOYOTA’S TAKE ON WEARABLE TECH, JUST LIKE APPLE WATCH
As the world’s second-largest carmaker, Toyota certainly has some money to throw around. One would think that they would simply invest in smartwatches or fitness trackers. The folks at Toyota are going getters, though. For that reason, they aim to do it themselves. Project BLAID is the name of their venture and it’s more than just an Apple Watch. It aims to help the blind and visually impaired by assisting their navigation skills. Thanks to new technology, a whole new realm of possibilities have opened up for the disabled.
APPLE-WATCH LIKE DEVICE WILL HELP THE BLIND SEE
Toyota’s technology will be a curved device that will be worn around the neck. Equipped with cameras, BLAID will help the visually impaired “see” their environment. The cameras can identify indoor spaces like stairs, bathrooms, escalators and doors. Using vibrations and speakers, BLAID can direct the impaired throughout their environment. It may not be as fashionable as an Apple Watch, but it certainly seems more useful.
PROJECT BLAID SHOWS THE FUTURE OF WEARABLES
The Apple Watch and Project BLAID are just a couple examples of how technology is the leading the way in the future of mobility. Technology is no longer limited to our devices, but it is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday surroundings. Apple Watch extends the freedom of mobility for us and Toyota seeks to bring that same freedom those with disabilities. In the future, we will only see this trend continue. Already, the Japanese-based car maker has hinted at adding a facial recognition technology to BLAID devices. Soon we will stop thinking about things like this and the Apple Watch as devices, and more as a part of human existence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNoPV0epfHA
