As you get closer to the object the vibrations get stronger
The Kinecthesia belt has sensors and a series of motors that send vibrations to the wearer to indicate the position of obstacles. Larry Greenemeier reports
For years cars have had warning systems to let drivers know when they’re about to back into something. What if a similar type of obstacle avoidance technology could be used to help the visually impaired?
That’s what two University of Pennsylvania researchers are trying to develop. They’ve created a prototype warning system for walkers called Kinecthesia. It’s a belt loaded with the following: a Microsoft Kinect infrared camera and sensors, battery pack and six vibration motors placed in the left, right and middle of the belt.
When worn the Kinect detects obstacles in your path. If the obstacle is to your left, the motors on the left side of the belt will vibrate. As you get closer to the object the vibrations get stronger.
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