Development and validation of a highly novel teleassistance enabled navigational aid for blind persons.

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The enclosed application is focused on providing Vision Impaired Persons (VIPs) with a radical new way to navigate and, crucially, regain their independence. Due to the high cost of guide dogs (typically £55,000), and arduous waiting lists, our aim is to provide VIPs with an alternative solution for effective local navigation.Over the past 2 years, the MakeSense team has developed a next-generation handheld personal navigation device that uses cameras, sensors, digital localisation technology and software to provide VIPs with extremely precise non-visual navigational guidance. In short, the device "sees the world" for the blind person and leverages a breakthrough human-machine interface which can guide a VIP through space more efficiently than ever before. In practice, the device is the size of a handheld flashlight and connects to a mobile phone.MakeSense has successfully tested their first generation device that relies on the camera and sensors of a linked smartphone to provide the required digital technologies. The results have been highly successful. However, in critical situations VIPs expressed concerns about relying on AI alone and were apprehensive about having their smartphones on display during journeys, worrying about theft and/or damage during collisions.During testing, VIPs have expressed considerable interest in the device if:* The system included the option to be guided remotely by a trusted friend or carer.* The requirement to have their phone out is removed.Investment is being sought to develop and test a second-generation MakeSense unit that allows the phone to be secure in the user's pocket/bag and develop vital teleassistance features.