In today’s age of advanced technology, a lot of devices, gadgets, and programs are built to make our lives easier and more convenient. While the more recent innovations were designed for entertainment, some companies are taking technology to the next level by incorporating a high level of help and hopefully, to make a difference in the lives of people who need it the most.
The WeWALK smart cane was born from a visually impaired engineer named Kursat Ceylan. He is also the CEO and co-founder of a non-profit organisation called the Young Guru Academy (YGA), the one responsible for making WeWALK reality come to life. As someone who faces the daily challenges of being blind, Kursat Ceylan knew the limitations of the current technology that people like him have to make do with. Knowing this, he created the WeWALK in the hope of changing the lives of the blind.
This innovative cane includes built-in speakers, voice assistance, Google Maps, a Bluetooth system that makes syncing to other devices possible, and high-end sensors that alert the user through vibrations when above chest level obstacles are within proximity—something a regular cane cannot provide.
“In these days we are talking about flying cars, but these people have been using just a plain stick,” he explained. “As a blind person, when I am at the Metro station I don’t know which is my exit… I don’t know which bus is approaching… which stores are around me. That kind of information can be provided with the WeWalk.” One of Kursat Ceylan’s goals in making the WeWALK is to make the social participation of people like him, full and easier. To him, the WeWALK was made to “support the visually impaired in their full participation in social life.” This device is not completely new, but the fact that he was able to utlise and incorporate existing technologies such as voice assistance, Google Maps, and Bluetooth syncronisation, makes it a completely new idea.
Many people have expressed their joy and at excitement for having this kind of device available for the visually impaired.
“Well done Ceylan! This will enhance lives of the visually impaired by so much!” Julia Teng Roo Seen shared.
“Just add a taser and it’s perfect for all situations!” Bill Ward joked. Even Duygu Kayaman, a proud user of the WeWALK, shared her sentiment regarding this innovative device.
“To me, WeWALK represents the end of an era and the start of a new one.”
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated people world wide 36 million are blind. Just imagine the possible change and impact of the WeWALK in these people’s lives once they get their hands on this groundbreaking device!