Top Ten Reasons STRAP is Changing the Game with Advanced Tech for the Visually Impaired
1. Sensor technology similar to that used in driverless vehicles
The STRAP device uses both LIDAR and ultrasonic (SONAR) sensors to ‘see’ for its vision-impaired user in much the same way as these sensors enable vehicles to be operated autonomously.
2. Obstacle notification made by haptic actuators
Numerous haptic actuators (vibrators that are strategically distributed in the main device and the straps,) are placed in the back of the STRAP device as well as in the fabric straps that go over the shoulders and around the mid-section in order to communicate immediately to the user what and where the obstacle is.
3. New and intuitive haptic language
Actuation occurs in patterns of pokes and vibrations of varying intensity and in different locations to immediately and intuitively communicate the type and location of the obstacle.
4. Complete awareness of obstacles
Unlike the white cane which only detects obstacles at the feet, the LIDAR and ultrasonic sensors are arranged in the STRAP device such that they scan the entire area ahead for obstacles at the head and chest levels and feet simultaneously.
5. Obstacle type identification
Obstacles are identified and communicated in real time to the user through the use of advanced and proprietary algorithms. Signals come from the LIDAR and ultrasonic sensors and the algorithms translate what the sensors ‘saw’ into an obstacle description using our new haptic language.
6. Device self-awareness
The STRAP device has onboard technology that keeps it constantly aware of whether it is moving or not (accelerometer), what its orientation relative to the ground is (gyro), and what direction it is facing (compass).
7. Straight Line Navigation (SLN)
Pressing a certain button on the device activates its ability to plot a straight path ahead. Once set, the haptic actuators will help keep the user on the straight path until the SLN feature is deactivated.
8. Power and Battery Management
The STRAP device utilizes its self-awareness information to initiate power-saving mode when the user has stopped. Examples could be while the user is seated on a park bench resting during a walk, or when the device has been placed on a table during a meal or a meeting or on a desk during a school class.
9. Durability to the elements
The STRAP device is resistant to small amounts of both water and dust.
10. Remote update capability
The STRAP Technology Team will continue adding more capabilities to the STRAP hardware long after users purchase the device. From time to time, updates will be uploaded remotely to users’ devices worldwide through the use of onboard Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth communication capabilities.
About STRAP Technologies
The device was first developed in Mexico by STRAP Technologies CEO and Founder, Diego Roel, who comes from an extensive background in robotics, new product ideation, R&D and IP strategy. “STRAP is the first assistive technology on the market that replaces the white cane that’s been in use for over 100 years,” Roel said.
“We’ve spent three years on the research and development of STRAP to invent a product that is truly innovative. We are really passionate about changing the way the blind and visually impaired explore the world; our core mission is that we believe autonomy and independence is a human right; not a luxury.”
STRAP Technologies is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with a Research and Development lab in Guadalajara, Mexico. The device is now available for preorder at an introductory price of $500 with a $50 deposit.
STRAP Technologies’ mission is to bring increased independence and autonomy to the visually impaired through the development of the world’s first substitute for the white cane. Their featured product, STRAP, is a state-of-the-art wearable device that enables blind and visually impaired people to detect and respond to any type of obstacle and notify them of possible collisions. STRAP works by sending real-time information from sensors that detect obstacles at the head, chest and below — including oncoming bumps, holes, and steps and issues vibrations that alert the wearer in real-time. With a completely intuitive and connected experience, STRAP becomes a new sense and way of seeing and feeling the environment. STRAP Technologies aims to change the way the visually impaired explore the world. For more information, visit https://strap.tech/
