New Shape Device Revolutionizes Navigation for Visually Impaired

Imperial College London researchers demonstrate a shape-changing haptic device that enables visually impaired users to navigate as effectively as sighted individuals in controlled trials.

• The Shape device, developed by Imperial College London in collaboration with MakeSense Technology and Bravo Victor, uses haptic perception to guide visually impaired users through touch-based feedback.
• In trials, the device helped visually impaired participants locate targets in a 3D virtual reality space as efficiently as sighted participants relying on natural vision.
• Shape outperformed traditional vibration technology, enabling faster navigation and receiving higher user preference due to its intuitive and less fatiguing design.
• The device, shaped like a torch, bends to indicate direction and straightens when the user is correctly oriented, leveraging humans' innate ability to interpret shapes through touch.
• Further research and development are underway to adapt Shape for real-world navigation, with a potential commercial product targeted for release by the end of 2025.

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