Toyota Device Helps Blind People Get Around

(RTTNews) - Japanese car maker Toyota's robotic division is working on a new wearable device that will help blind and visually impaired people to get around easily.

Toyota unveiled details about Project BLAID, a wearable device designed to help guide visually impaired people through indoor spaces, such as office buildings and shopping malls.

The device is worn on the shoulders and it uses a series of cameras and sensors to detect the presence of doors, escalators, pathways and restroom signs.

Speakers and vibration motors will send information about the surroundings to the user, while the device will contain voice recognition features that will allow users to interact with it.

Toyota did not disclose any details about the availability of the device.

"Toyota is more than just the great cars and trucks we build; we believe we have a role to play in addressing mobility challenges, including helping people with limited mobility do more," said Doug Moore, Manager, Partner Robotics, Toyota. "We believe this project has the potential to enrich the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired."