The GuideCane-a computerized travel aid for the active guidance of blind pedestrians

This paper introduces the GuideCane, a novel device designed to help blind or visually impaired travellers to navigate safely and quickly among obstacles and other hazards faced by blind pedestrians. The GuideCane, currently under development at the University of Michigan's Mobile Robotics Lab, comprises of a long handle and a "sensor head" unit that is attached at the distal end of the handle. The sensor head is mounted on a steerable but unpowered two-wheeled steering axle. During operation, the user pushes the lightweight GuideCane ahead of him/her. Ultrasonic sensors mounted on the sensor head detect obstacles and steer the device around it. The user feels the steering command as a very noticeable physical force through the handle and is able to follow the GuideCane's path easily and without any conscious effort.