Electronic 'Batcane' can guide the blind

Bats have inspired the creation of a cane to help the blind and partially sighted find their stride.

The eerie creatures manoeuvre by bouncing high-pitched sounds off nearby objects in a process called echolocation, and researchers at Leeds University in Britain used this as the model for their "Batcane".

The cane emits sonar waves inaudible to the human ear to help users detect obstacles ahead, around, or even above them. Any nearby object triggers a vibration in one of four pads in the cane's plastic handle. As the object gets nearer, the vibration speeds up.

"They will be warned of objects that are just beyond the reach of the conventional white cane," said Andrew Diston of Cambridge Consultants, which has developed the cane in conjunction with Sound Foresight.

Mr Diston said the Batcane would help visually impaired people to create a "mind map" of their environment and so encourage independent mobility, particularly in cities.

"There are large numbers of blind people who, as their sight degrades, are confined more and more to their homes. This will enable people to venture outside, and could generally improve their quality of life."

The Batcane is expected to be on the market towards the end of the year, and will be marketed for both blind and visually impaired people.

Trials are taking place in Britain, the United States, Canada and Germany.

"Obviously it won't suit everyone, but there's a big market out there," said Mr Diston.

There are 1.4 million people registered as blind in Britain alone.

- REUTERS

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