New Assistive Technology 'Shape' Outperforms Guide Dogs and White Canes

Shape is a newly invented device that offers directional guidance. Its unique ability to perceive shapes through touch in real-time, especially for the visually impaired, makes it ideal for such use.

Fremont, CA: “Shape,” a newly developed device, is all set to revolutionize how people with visual impairments navigate. Imperial College London developed this innovative technology in partnership with MakeSense Technology and Bravo Victor. This device uses shape-shifting feedback instead of traditional vibrations, providing a tactile method to guide users more effectively.

Designed like a torch, Shape shifts its form to offer users directional guidance. When correctly oriented, the device straightens, providing intuitive feedback based on the user's position. Unlike traditional methods that rely on vibration or auditory cues, Shape takes advantage of the human ability to perceive shapes through touch, making it easier for users to interpret their surroundings without the cognitive load accompanying other assistive technologies.

Early studies suggest that Shape, in addition to matching the performance of sighted individuals, can outperform current aids such as white canes and guide dogs in certain tasks. Shape outperformed vibration devices in speed and accuracy, with users locating targets faster and more efficiently.

What sets Shape apart from existing technologies is its versatility. While guide dogs and white canes have been helpful for decades, they have significant limitations, such as high training costs for guide dogs and restricted functionality for white canes in complex environments. Although beneficial, recent advancements in auditory cues and vibration feedback can also create safety risks. Audiences block out surrounding environmental sounds; constant vibration can cause numbness or irritation.

Shape offers a solution to these challenges. Its intuitive tactile feedback allows users to make real-time adjustments without distraction or fatigue, providing a seamless, less intrusive experience. Users in the study reported a preference for Shape over traditional vibration-based technology, highlighting its potential to transform mobility for those with visual impairments.

The study that tested Shape involved 20 participants—10 with visual impairments and 10 sighted individuals—who were tasked with locating virtual targets in a 3D environment. The results were striking.

The visually impaired participants using Shape performed as well as, in some cases, better than their sighted counterparts. This starkly contrasts traditional navigation devices that primarily use vibration feedback, which has been shown to cause discomfort and limit users’ navigation abilities over time.

With its innovative design and proven effectiveness, Shape stands to reshape the landscape of assistive technologies. As this technology evolves, it promises to open new doors for individuals with visual impairments, offering them greater independence and improved navigation in everyday and complex environments.