Blindtouch – the First Camera for Blind People
BIELSKO-BIALA, Poland, January 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —
Robot Manufacture, a fresh start-up specializing in developing new technologies for the disabled, recently presented Blindtouch, the first working prototype of a camera designed for blind people. The device allows you to take a picture and then “see” it by touching it. The set consists of two devices: the camera and the base unit where you can display the photos with the use of a three-dimensional pin matrix. Blindtouch can also be used for reading Braille text.
Robot Manufacture believes that Blindtouch can truly help people who are blind. In the next stage of development, there is a plan to create an online platform for Blindtouch users so that they can share and exchange their pictures.
“I think that we should design mobile devices for people who are blind more often. I want the progress of technology to serve those who really need it,” said the originator of the project, Piotr Cybulski.
As Cybulski claims, Blindtouch is not only about helping blind persons in everyday life, it is also about assisting them in experiencing the beauty of art or architecture: ” I imagine that a blind person can take a photo of the Eiffel Tower by themselves and at the same time, they can “see“ its outline by touching a pin matrix. We want people who are blind to experience beauty here and now.”
At present, Blindtouch is in the prototype stage. Robot Manufacture aims to develop the final product after running a crowdfunding campaign that will start soon; the company hopes to collect sufficient funds for preparing a final version for production.