Biomimicry + Wearable Tech + Accessibility
A wearable glove that helps visually impaired people navigate indoor spaces safely and independently. Inspired by how bats and dolphins use echolocation, it translates distance into haptic vibration: the closer an obstacle, the stronger and faster the pulse. A proactive alternative to the cane.
01 The Problem
Visually impaired individuals face significant challenges navigating indoor spaces. Existing tools like canes and guide dogs are reactive, not proactive. They detect obstacles only on contact or at very short range. Less than 15% of buildings have any form of indoor navigation assistance.
Traditional tools like canes only detect obstacles on physical contact. There is no advance warning before collision, especially for objects at waist or head height.
Less than 15% of buildings have indoor navigation tools. GPS does not work indoors, and most accessibility infrastructure focuses on outdoor mobility.
Indoor spaces are rarely designed with inclusive navigation in mind. Unfamiliar layouts, furniture rearrangement, and obstacles at varying heights create constant risk.
02 The Solution
Bats and dolphins navigate in complete darkness using echolocation: they emit signals, measure the return time, and build a spatial map. Echolocate applies the same principle to a wearable glove, translating ultrasonic distance measurements into intuitive haptic feedback.
An ultrasonic distance sensor embedded in the back of the glove continuously measures the distance to the nearest obstacle. The reading is processed by a microcontroller and mapped to a vibration motor on the opposite side of the glove.
As the user's hand approaches an object, the vibration intensity and pulse frequency increase proportionally. Far away: gentle, slow pulses. Close range: strong, rapid vibration. Direct contact range: continuous buzz. The feedback is immediate and intuitive, requiring no training to interpret.
The glove form factor was chosen deliberately. Hands are how people naturally explore and navigate space. The design is discreet, wearable, and does not restrict hand movement, unlike wrist-mounted or headband alternatives.
Ultrasonic sensor on the back of the glove emits a pulse and measures return time to calculate distance to the nearest object.
Microcontroller maps the distance value to a vibration intensity and pulse frequency. Closer objects produce stronger, faster feedback.
Vibration motor on the palm side provides haptic feedback. The user feels the proximity of obstacles before touching them.
The user sweeps their hand to scan the environment, building a spatial understanding through touch alone. No audio, no visual display.
03 Technology
Mounted on the back of the glove. Emits ultrasonic pulses and measures the return time to calculate distance to the nearest obstacle with centimeter precision.
Coin-type motor on the palm side. PWM-controlled intensity maps linearly to distance: closer objects produce stronger vibration. Pulse frequency also increases with proximity.
Processes sensor data and drives the motor in real time. Low power consumption for extended battery life. Simple firmware with distance-to-vibration mapping.
Fingerless leather glove chosen for comfort, dexterity, and discreet appearance. Components are flush-mounted and do not interfere with hand movement or grip.
04 Who Benefits
Blind and low-vision individuals
Elderly patients
Patients with cognitive impairments
Caregivers and families
Public institutions and hospitals
05 Future Roadmap
Integrating a small camera and edge AI to identify what the obstacle is, not just how far away it is. Audio feedback via bone conduction for object identification.
Replacing the continuous power source with a USB-C rechargeable battery. Target: 8+ hours of use on a single charge with a compact, lightweight cell.
Materials testing beyond the current leather glove. Exploring different vibration patterns (directional pulses) and softer, breathable fabrics for extended wear.
06 Skills