Revolutionizing Accessibility: Virtual Braille Research Using Advanced Haptics and Virtual Reality
Groundbreaking “Virtual Braille” Research Aims to Revolutionize Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Old Dominion University (ODU), HaptX, and Georgia Institute of Technology have been awarded a U.S. NIH grant to investigate “Glove-based Tactile Streaming of Braille Characters and Digital Images for the Visually Impaired.” This research project aims to use advanced touch simulation technology to improve accessibility to digital information for individuals with visual impairments.
The team will be utilizing HaptX Gloves, which feature 135 tactile actuators that can simulate realistic touch sensations by displacing the skin on the wearer’s palm and fingertips. With these gloves, users will be able to experience embossed tactile writing systems in virtual environments, allowing them to interact with digital images and objects in a whole new way.
Dr. Michel Audette of ODU and Michael Eichermueller of HaptX will lead the study, with support from Dr. Bruce Walker of Georgia Tech’s Sonification Lab. The project aims to transform the ways in which visually impaired individuals explore and navigate virtual environments, ultimately opening up new opportunities for education, employment, and quality of life.
With nearly 300 million people worldwide living with significant visual impairments, the need for innovative solutions in accessibility is more pressing than ever. This project represents a significant step forward in addressing this global public health issue and aims to make digital inclusivity a tangible reality for millions of individuals.
By bridging the accessibility gap for the visually impaired, the ODU-HaptX-Georgia Tech project opens new realms of engagement with spatial computing environments. The potential applications of this research are vast, promising to unlock educational and employment opportunities, fostering greater independence and societal integration for millions of people around the world.
For more information on HaptX and their technology, visit haptx.com or contact Linda Jacobson, Marketing Director, at [email protected]
Source: HaptX, Inc.
