Toyota developing innovative technology to help visually impaired

In its initiative to help the visually impaired, Toyota is developing innovative technology to improve their mobility and independence.

Project BLAID involves the design of a wearable ''u'' shaped device, which will be worn around the shoulders and aimed to fill in the everyday gaps experienced by the visually impaired while using canes, dogs and GPS devices.

With the wearable technology, users would access information about their surroundings and to help identify everyday indoor items such as escalators, stairs and bathrooms, Toyota said.

According to the company, built-in cameras would be able to detect the users' surroundings and the device would communicate information using speakers and vibration motors.

''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, in a blog post on the company's website. ''We believe this project has the potential to enrich the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired.''

Users would be able to interact with the device using voice recognition technology and buttons, and Toyota claimed it would eventually integrate mapping, object identification and facial recognition technology.

In a video of Project BLAID, a Toyota spokesperson explained about how the device's cameras helped it detect objects such as a doorways, room exit signs, and bathroom signs.

The video described the life of a visually impaired man and how he met with Toyota researchers to learn about 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 of partner robotics at Toyota, in a blog post yesterday. ''We believe this project has the potential to enrich the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired.''