Toyota is working to develop wearable devices for blind and visually impaired that can help them do more with greater freedom, independence and confidence. The project is called BLAID.
The project reflects the company's commitment to enrich lives by advancing the freedom of mobility for all.
The device will help fill the gaps left by canes, dogs and basic GPS devices by providing users with more information about their surroundings.
Worn around their shoulders, it will help users better navigate indoor spaces, such as office buildings and shopping malls, by helping them identify everyday features, including restrooms, escalators, stairs and doors.
The device will be equipped with cameras that detect the user's surroundings and communicate information to him or her through speakers and vibration motors.
Users, in turn, will be able to interact with the device through voice recognition and buttons. Toyota plans to eventually integrate mapping, object identification and facial recognition technologies.
Toyota Motor North America, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Simon Nagata said: "Project BLAID is one example of how Toyota is leading the way to the future of mobility, when getting around will be about more than just cars."
"We want to extend the freedom of mobility for all, no matter their circumstance, location or ability."
Toyota Partner Robotics, manager, Doug Moore said: "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."
"We believe this project has the potential to enrich the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired."
As part of Project BLAID, Toyota is launching an employee engagement campaign that invites team members company-wide to submit videos of common indoor landmarks.
These videos will subsequently be used by Project BLAID developers to "teach" the device to better recognize these landmarks.
For a preview, visit TheToyotaEffect.com to access a short video, equipped with audio descriptions, which showcases a young man, who is blind, testing an early-stage version of the device.
