A new hi-tech car allows blind people to drive independently. Set to make its debut on the Daytona International Speedway in 2011, the modified Ford Escape is equipped with non-visual sensors that enable blind drivers to make safe decisions on the road.
The
National Federation of the Blind has teamed with Virginia Polytechnic Institute
to design the first car for the blind. The revolutionary vehicle is scheduled
to be unveiled as a part of pre-race festivities at the 2011 Rolex at Daytona
on Jan. 29.
Researchers
have modified a Ford Escape by adding what they call “non-visual interface
technology.” This technology uses lasers and cameras to create signals like
vibrations, which allow blind users to make driving decisions. One interface,
for example, called DriveGrip, involves a set of vibrating gloves that cue
drivers as to when and how to turn. Another interface blows compressed air to
inform the driver about nearby objects.
Non-visual
interface technology allows drivers to operate a car without seeing the road.
“The
challenge was not the development of an autonomous vehicle that could drive a
blind person around, but rather the creation of non-visual interfaces that
would allow a blind person to actually make driving decisions,” says Dr. Dennis
Hong, director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech.
Ultimately,
the goals of the project are larger than just getting blind drivers on the
road. The researchers aim to break stereotypes about blindness and its social
effects.
According
to a Virginia Tech press release, Dr. Marc Maurer, president
of the National Federation of the Blind, states, “We are trying to build a
technology that can be combined with an intellect to do things that neither
could do alone. We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the
fruits of our efforts before the automobile enthusiasts and racing fans at the
Rolex 24 at Daytona. This demonstration will break down the wall of stereotypes
and misconceptions that prevent our full integration into society by showing
the public that the blind have the same capacities as everyone else. Our only
challenge is access to the information we need.”
Although
it will likely be a while before blind drivers are zooming down the highway,
this project marks a big step for the blind community.
Videos of the challenge can be
viewed on the National Federation of the Blind’s Website.
Exciting!!Posted on: 07-23-10 | By: AnonymousCan you imagine driving the Washington D.C. loop at rush hour?? Maybe this is a way to rid ourselves of the politicians.
How 'bout racing it!Posted on: 07-22-10 | By: cdSince it is being unveiled at the Rolex, what a test that would be to enter it! Bet it would end up 1st in class!
A user comment on this articlePosted on: 07-22-10 | By: AnonymousSo, as a sighted person, can I install this and go back to texting while driving?
Awesome!Posted on: 07-22-10 | By: CarlaThis is incredible, I can't wait. I have loved ones whom this would change their lives! Love it! Way to go Ford, I may have to take back all the things I've said about you :-)
To those who don't want to share the road with a computer, or those who think this isn't better than public transportation - Quit being so selfish! I'm sure it will be a long time coming, before it can be perfected, so again - get over it!
Why not?Posted on: 07-22-10 | By: AJ"I do not want to share the road with a computer"
You already do. On another note I have a better chance on the road with a CPU and the blind vs a drunk driver.
"The challenge was not the development of an autonomous vehicle that could drive a blind person around, but rather the creation of non-visual interfaces that would allow a blind person to actually make driving decisions,ā€¯
To be honest I like to see cars drive us. I bet it could cut down road rage, drunk drivers and the list would go on. This could be a huge step in going that direction.
"Am wondering if auto-drive vehicles will come about sooner rather than later so that ANYONE can get into a car, regardless of health restrictions, and go where they want to go safely and securely."
I sure hope so. One can hope for a huge list of reasons.
Blind driversPosted on: 07-21-10 | By: OEM AutomotiveTo enable blind drivers or not is not the point of discussion. We are far ahead at the moment to enable autonomous driving by the vehicle, taking conditions etc. into calculation. For people that can see or not, in a few years the car will do most of the driving in anyway. So get used to that, starting now not a bad idea...
Public TransportationPosted on: 07-15-10 | By: Thomas MonHow is this better than public transportation?
