Navigating in a city is difficult enough – but for the blind or partially sighted it can be an absolute nightmare. Busy streets, barriers, and other people (among countless other dangers) threaten to disrupt the lives of the visually impaired every day.
Canadian startup iMerciv Inc. has addressed this with the BuzzClip, a small, discreet, wearable clip that identifies obstacles in the wearer’s immediate surroundings and notifies them by buzzing. As the user approaches an object, BuzzClip sends out ultrasonic waves and vibrates to notify them, growing in intensity and frequency as the user draws closer to the object. Three quick vibrations warn wearers that they are about arm’s length from the object. BuzzClip’s range of detection isn’t limited to large objects either – it can sense very small wires and tree branches as well.
BuzzClip’s detection range can be toggled between one and two meter modes, and the vibrator motor is enclosed in a sweat proof chamber – allowing for both vibration isolation and a stronger response signal. It’s easily clipped onto virtually any piece of clothing, and multiple BuzzClips can be used at once for more precise detection. Check it out in the video below!
