The biped wearable device will help the blind to move around the city on their own

The Swiss startup Biped has developed a wearable device with which blind people will be able to move independently in urban conditions.

The device has the form of a safety belt and is worn on the shoulders. B biped, as in autonomous cars, cameras are used to help avoid collisions with oncoming obstacles, as well as headphones operating in wireless and conventional (wired) mode. At the same time, the developers recommend using headphones with bone conduction so that users with limited hearing can hear the surrounding sounds.

Several infrared 3D cameras in the front of the device provide a 170-degree view ahead of the user, and artificial intelligence-based software provides identification of 10 types of both stationary and moving objects.

By tracking the relative location of objects and the user, the system warns him about the danger of a possible collision using a directional audio signal in headphones. Depending on the location of the obstacle (left or right relative to the user), the signal is heard in the corresponding earphone.

Biped can work with GPS and other navigation devices, from which the user receives tips on where to turn. One charge of a lithium battery is enough for six hours of operation. The weight of the device is 900 g. The kit also includes a special cane.