Designed into SmartCane

Features built around safer, more confident mobility

SmartCane combines a familiar folding cane with layered obstacle awareness, clear tactile feedback and accessible controls. The electronics are designed to support—not replace—traditional cane technique and personal judgement.

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SmartCane design showing the handle, forward sensor head and folding cane
Highest-priority capabilities

Walking assistance and immediate safety

These capabilities form the core of the SmartCane concept and are prioritized for prototype development and supervised evaluation.

01

Reliable ground contact

A familiar folding long-cane format preserves essential surface feedback, sweep technique and portability.

Core design
02

Three-zone forward sensing

Left, centre and right sensing zones are designed to identify selected obstacles ahead, including objects above the cane tip.

Core design
03

Downward step and drop-off sensing

A protected downward-facing sensor adds an early cue for selected curbs, steps, drop-offs and terrain changes.

Core design
04

Directional vibration

Distinct left, centre and right handle zones provide private, learnable feedback without requiring a screen.

Core design
05

Fast, predictable alerts

Consistent vibration patterns are planned to communicate direction and urgency without creating unnecessary information overload.

Prototype validation
06

Ergonomic tactile handle

Touch-identifiable controls, differentiated surfaces and flexible grip materials are designed for comfortable, non-visual operation.

Core design
Physical design

Awareness above, ahead and below

Top view of the SmartCane tactile handle controls
Tactile controls and directional feedback areas
SmartCane complete folding design
Familiar folding-cane format
SmartCane downward-facing terrain sensor
Protected downward terrain sensing
Everyday confidence

Reliability and accessible daily use

Battery and power management

Protected charging, battery-status feedback and low-power operation are included in the electronics plan.

Simple tactile controls

Recessed, differentiated buttons are designed to be identified and operated by touch.

Audio status feedback

Clear spoken cues can confirm setup, battery level, connection status and important alerts.

Sensor-health warnings

The design calls for clear notification when a sensor is blocked, unavailable or needs attention.

Weather and impact protection

Sealing, protected sensor windows and a durable enclosure are planned for real-world mobility use.

Forward and downward LED light

A planned user-controlled LED can illuminate the path and cane area in low light, with battery-conscious operation and a tactile on/off control.

Possible enhancement
Connected assistance

Support when additional help is needed

Availability depends on the selected model, a compatible phone, service coverage and final product validation.

SOS helper contact

A recessed SOS button is planned to initiate a phone-assisted call to a designated helper after a cancellation period.

Location and battery sharing

The companion experience may send the user’s location and SmartCane battery status to an SOS contact.

Moving-hazard awareness

An optional radar configuration is being considered for additional awareness of selected closing objects.

Bluetooth companion features

Bluetooth provides the foundation for accessible setup, status information and phone-assisted functions.

GNSS and navigation support

Enhanced models may provide outdoor position support while preserving the cane’s primary mobility role.

Standalone cellular SOS

A future cellular model may support direct voice contact with an SOS helper without requiring a paired phone.

Planned configurations

Choose the level of connected support

Standard

  • Folding mobility cane
  • Three-zone forward sensing
  • Downward terrain sensing
  • Directional haptics and audio status
  • Tactile controls and Bluetooth
Expanded support

Professional

  • Everything in Standard
  • Phone-assisted SOS contact
  • Location and battery sharing
  • Guided configuration and support
  • Planned connected safety features

Deluxe

  • Everything in Professional
  • Planned standalone cellular SOS
  • GNSS capability
  • Optional moving-object awareness
  • Premium accessories and support
Design principle

Useful even when electronics are unavailable

SmartCane is being designed for graceful failure: if power, connectivity or a sensor is unavailable, it should remain usable as a conventional mobility cane. Electronic detection cannot be guaranteed.

Explore the SmartCane configurations

Compare planned features and register your interest before launch.

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