# 41. The Tesla of Blind Canes

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2021-10-26
- Length: 22m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes-CfeDDzEq

## Summary

Daniel and Forbode discuss a self-navigating smart cane developed by Stanford University under Professor Michael Kokenderfer, which uses LiDAR, GPS, and an omni-wheel to help visually impaired users walk 20% faster than with traditional canes. They also cover 'Free Touch,' a solution allowing users to interact with public kiosks via smartphone QR codes, and research by Texas A&M’s Dr. Cynthia Hippwell on enhanced touchscreens that display textures and potentially Braille through multi-physics sensor interactions.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes#t=0) Introduction: Assistive Technology Overview
- [2:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes#t=169) Stanford Smart Cane: Sensors and Omni-wheel Design
- [9:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes#t=593) Smart Cane Performance: 20% Speed Increase
- [12:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes#t=757) Free Touch: QR Code Kiosk Interaction
- [15:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes#t=916) Texas A&M Enhanced Touchscreens and Braille
- [21:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-10-26-41-the-tesla-of-blind-canes#t=1287) Conclusion and Sponsor Read

## Topics

- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Stanford University (company)
- Michael Kokenderfer (other)
- LiDAR (tool)
- GPS (tool)
- omni-wheel (other)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Free Touch (product)
- Texas A&M (company)
- Cynthia Hippwell (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep 142: 65 Days of Airtime, Racecars Staring at the Ceiling, a Pushy White Cane, and Soapy Water Rockets](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2021-10-29-ep-142-65-days-of-airtime-racecars-staring-at-the-ceiling-a-pushy-white-cane-and) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [RoboBusiness Pitchfire winner Glidance helping sight-impaired individuals regain their independence](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-15-robobusiness-pitchfire-winner-glidance-helping-sight-impaired-individuals-regain) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Episode Four - Robot Senses: perceiving the world](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-01-29-episode-four-robot-senses-perceiving-the-world) (Robot Talk)
- [Ep 358: Soft Displays, LCD Apertures, and Mind Controlled Toys](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-02-20-ep-358-soft-displays-lcd-apertures-and-mind-controlled-toys) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 355: Person Detectors, Walkie Talkies, Open Smartphones, and a WiFi Traffic Light](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-01-30-ep-355-person-detectors-walkie-talkies-open-smartphones-and-a-wifi-traffic-light) (Hackaday Podcast)

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