ORION

Was es macht

“ORION” is a universal cane accessory for blind people. It detects obstacles from hip to head. It can connect via Bluetooth to other navigation apps through an own app with the purpose of giving the user an option of audio navigation instructions.

Deine Inspiration

Inclusion and accessibility are not a priority in Mexico. Infrastructure is disconnected from the needs of people with disabilities, forcing them to adapt to an environment that should be adapting to them. This hinders independent mobility for people with disabilities, as they encounter obstacles that are difficult to avoid without assistance; that are not only uncomfortable but also put their physical integrity at risk. People with visual impairments face many difficulties when navigating the public space, one of the main being obstacles from the hip and above, and impossible to detect to the white cane on its own.

So funktioniert es

It is placed on the handle of the white by pressure, the user has to push downwards.Easily attaches using snap-on adapter rings that compensate for different cane diameters. An ultrasonic sensor (MB1000-000) that has a range of 100cm of reach upwards and an angular beam of 62° detects the obstacles and a mini vibration motor activates when the sensor detects something within its range. Additional to this, it features a magnetometer and gyroscope (location and direction sensors) that through a Bluetooth transmits orientation and position data to a bridge app that integrates with existing navigation apps. Enables the use of standard Bluetooth headphones without relying on the phone's position or internal sensors, So now the user can have hand free navigation instructions.

Designprozess

It all started with a question: How might we design a product that helps visually impaired users identify obstacles to move more freely and safely? From the beginning, we knew we didn’t want to replace the white cane, which we see as an extension of their body and spatial perception. Instead, our goal was to complement it by detecting obstacles and notifying the user in real time to support safer navigation in public spaces. We focused on obstacles beyond the cane’s reach and above ground level, tree branches, signs, open windows, wall reliefs, that are often bothersome and sometimes dangerous. We also identified a second challenge: many users rely on mobile navigation apps, which forces them to use both hands—one for the cane, the other for the phone—leaving the phone exposed and their mobility compromised. During ideation, we chose to integrate an ultrasonic sensor and a feedback system into a redesigned cane handle that combines both functions. The main challenge was ensuring the sensor always faced upward. If the handle rotated, the sensor would point down or sideways and lose its effectiveness. Our solution was an ergonomic handle with a flat surface that guides finger placement, keeping the sensor correctly oriented.

Warum es anders ist

Unlike the competition, which focuses on offering complete canes for the visually impaired, Orion is positioned as a complementary accessory, designed to be integrated to the cane that the user already uses. This proposal is born from the understanding that there are multiple variations in size, thickness and design of canes, which are adapted according to the height, preferences and individual needs of each person. What distinguishes us in the market is that our accessory has been designed to be universal, thanks to an adapter that we developed, which allows its compatibility with any type of cane. In this way, Orion does not replace, but enhances the functionality of the cane, improving the perception of the environment and providing greater safety during daily mobility, without interfering with the user's habit or preference regarding their current cane.

Pläne für die Zukunft

Partner with organizations for the blind, rehabilitation centers, or public mobility programs in Mexico to conduct extended pilot testing and gather real-world performance data. Develop optional modules for other types of obstacle detection (e.g., downward for uneven terrain, or lateral for narrow passages) that can connect to the same base system.

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