Sensing Empowerment: WeWalk’s Smart Cane 2.0 Transforms Mobility for the Visually Impaired
At CES 2025, innovation took a giant step forward for the visually impaired community with the unveiling of the WeWalk Smart Cane 2.0. This mobility aid improves safety and empowers users by integrating advanced technology through a collaboration between WeWalk and InvenSense, a TDK company. Machine Design spoke with Song Li, product marketing director, to learn about the device’s technology.
Key features of the smart cane include advanced sensor technology, the integration of artificial intelligence, Bluetooth connectivity and a user-centric design.
The cane utilizes InvenSense’s compact, low-power sensors to detect obstacles above the user’s head, significantly improving navigational awareness, Li explained, adding that the AI capabilities are based on a language model akin to ChatGPT. This allows users to interact with the cane in plain language. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows the cane to link with smartphones for turn-by-turn navigation and real-time location information. Li adds that the design was developed using feedback from visually impaired users, ensuring that the cane is user-friendly and functional.
Li offered some insights about the partnership, such as the collaboration between the two companies began at an embedded technology show where they recognized a shared vision for innovation. Continuous user feedback—especially from WeWalk’s co-founder Kürşat Ceylan, who is visually impaired himself—played a major role in shaping the cane’s design and functionality.
Designed to withstand varying weather conditions, the cane has built-in safety mechanisms to communicate directions and provides haptic feedback to alert users of nearby obstacles or wrong turns. A strong flashlight feature allows users to signal for help in emergencies, increasing safety during low-visibility situations.
WATCH: Part 2: Smart Cane 2.0: A Navigation Companion for the Blind and Visually Impaired
