Laser-guided and sonar canes to help the blind
Gold Coast
July 18, 2003

Guide Dogs Queensland has begun trials of a laser-guided walking cane, and
plans to soon test a prototype "Batcane" that uses sonar technology to warn
the blind of obstacles.  

Rehabilitation Services Manager Bashir Ebrahim said the Laser Cane and
"Batcane" would never replace guide dogs, but could help more than 100,000
Australians who are blind or visually impaired.  

"These devices are not vision-substitution systems," he said. "But they can
enhance someone's mobility."  

The Laser Cane, which is made in the United States and is expected to sell
for $6000, can detect objects in front, behind and below a user. It
communicates the position of obstacles with sounds and vibrations.  

Guide Dogs Queensland is testing the cane, with a view to buying some for
permanent loans to the visually impaired.  

Another hand-held device called a Miniguide, which uses sound waves to reveal
the position of objects up to four metres away, has already been accepted by
Guide Dog groups around the country and is available for loan.  

Among other innovations unveiled at an Electronic Travel Aids Mobility
seminar on the Gold Coast today was a global positioning satellite system
that tells users by voice or braille where they are anywhere in the world.  

"This is an exciting time with developments around the world," said Ebrahim.  

"But you'll always need guide dogs and the long cane," he said. "The
electronic devices will only suit some people."

This story was found at:
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/18/1058035174368.html