sense five is a smart white cane with surface-changing handle to aid the visually impaired

german design studio werteloberfell presents a concept and prototype for a smart white cane that utilizes the human sense of touch to keep visually impaired users safe. called ‘sense five’, the main feature of this clever device is its surface-changing handle, which becomes rough to indicate a potential risk up ahead. 

all images courtesy of werteloberfell

to pick up information from the surroundings, the cane uses an integrated image-recognition sensor to detect obstacles. the cane is also specially trained for waist-high and fast moving obstacles and obtains real-time traffic data to generate a predictive model of the environment. all this data is then passed on to the user as the surface of the handle changes. by using different rhythms and intensities, werteloberfell proposes that a differentiated and pleasant communication is possible.

a specific perforation allows the structure to change its surface with axial twists

sense five also features a safe ‘on and off’ switch. to ensure safety for users with visual impairments, the switch is designed in such a way that the cane is only positioned ergonomically in the hand when switched on and serves as a stop to position the handle safely. to be clearly visible for other road users, low energy LEDs turn on automatically in the dark.

the change to a rough surface indicates a potential risk

sense five regularly indicates the state of charge by a certain surface change. if the charge level is low, the integrated USB-C port allows charging on the road through power banks and public power outlets. back home it is charged with the wall mount, which also serves as a recognizable storage location, ensuring a reliable orientation and easy accessibility.

video courtesy of werteloberfell

low energy LEDs enhance visibility for other road users

all electronic and mechanical components fit into the handle, resulting in a slim and well-balanced geometry

the ergonomic handle includes a safe ‘on and off’ switch

sense five also regularly indicates the state of charge by a certain surface change

in the iterative design process, methods of parametric design and rapid prototyping were combined to approach dynamic materials

by cutting, perforating or FDM printing on different materials, structures of different poisson ratios were compared

to evaluate both the functionality and the shape of the smart grip for white canes, several prototypes were created and tested with visually impaired people and mobility trainers

surface change demonstrated with the first prototype

the second prototype in use

project info:

project name: sense five
design: werteloberfell

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom