Innovative Haptic Belt Shows Promise for Improving Mobility in People With Vision Loss

A new wearable navigation system may help people who are blind or have low vision (pBLV) navigate complex environments more safely and effectively, according to research published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology. Developed by a team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the system combines vibrational and sound feedback to provide unobtrusive guidance, offering hope for improved mobility and independence.

A Compact Solution for Navigation Challenges

Current mobility aids, such as white canes and guide dogs, often present limitations. "White canes only detect objects through contact and miss obstacles outside their range, while guide dogs require extensive training and are costly," explained Fabiana Sofia Ricci, the study's lead author. Only 2–8% of visually impaired Americans use either of these aids, according to the researchers.

To address this gap, the team developed a belt-based haptic feedback system designed to be discreet and user-friendly. This lightweight device integrates 10 small vibration motors and audio feedback components into a compact waist bag. The system conveys obstacle proximity and location through gentle vibrations on the belt, while auditory signals, transmitted via a headset, increase in frequency as users approach obstacles.

The redesign marks a significant improvement over earlier prototypes, which relied on a bulkier backpack system. The researchers aim to make the device practical for everyday use. "The goal is something you can wear with any type of clothing, so people are not bothered in any way by the technology," said key researcher John-Ross Rizzo.

Promising Results in Simulated Real-World Scenarios

The team tested the system using a virtual reality (VR) environment, simulating the vision of someone with advanced glaucoma. Participants with normal vision wore Meta Quest 2 VR headsets and the haptic belt as they navigated a virtual subway station designed with Unity gaming software. This simulation recreated common transit challenges, such as broken elevators, construction zones, pedestrian traffic, and unexpected obstacles.

Seventy-two participants completed the test, and results demonstrated that haptic feedback significantly reduced collisions with obstacles, while audio guidance improved the smoothness of navigation. Future trials will focus on testing the device with individuals who have actual vision loss, further evaluating its real-world utility.

The haptic belt could also complement other assistive technologies, such as the "Commute Booster" mobile app being developed by the same team. While Commute Booster provides navigation guidance by “reading” subway signage, the haptic belt adds functionality by helping users avoid obstacles along their path.

Moving Toward Greater Accessibility

The researchers believe this wearable system could represent a significant step forward in assistive technology for individuals with vision impairments. “We want to reach a point where the technology we’re building is light, largely unseen, and has all the necessary performance required for efficient and safe navigation,” said Rizzo.

Supported by a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded in December 2023, the project continues to advance, with the goal of improving quality of life and promoting independence for pBLV. As the system evolves, it may pave the way for new accessibility innovations that empower individuals to navigate their environments safely and confidently