Moving independently remains a daily challenge for people who are blind or visually impaired. A new study published in Scientific Reports shows how innovative assistive technologies can enhance safety and autonomy during mobility and wayfinding.
The study, entitled “Efficacy of electronic travel aids for the blind and visually impaired during wayfinding”, was authored by Claire E. Pittet, Eduardo Villar Ortega, Maël Fabien, Mark T. Wallace, Monica Gori, and Micah M. Murray (2026).
“The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance and perceived usability of two electronic travel aids, NOA and the BuzzClip, used in combination with the white cane,” explains Micah M. Murray, Scientific and Academic Director at The Sense.
The devices studied
White cane
The white cane remains the primary tool for detecting obstacles on the ground. However, it does not allow users to perceive obstacles at head height or at a distance.
BuzzClip
A small wearable device (~50 g), the BuzzClip uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles and provides vibrotactile feedback. The vibration intensity increases as the user approaches an obstacle. Although discontinued, it remains relevant as a benchmark for comparing available solutions.
NOA
NOA is a mobility vest equipped with cameras and spatialized audio feedback. It also offers GPS navigation and an AI-based object recognition function. Like the BuzzClip, NOA is designed to complement the white cane or guide dog.
“Our goal with NOA was to compare its performance with other existing devices to assess how it could genuinely improve users’ mobility,” says Maël Fabien, CEO of Biped Robotics.
Origins of the collaboration and The Sense’s role
The collaboration between The Sense and Biped Robotics began two years ago during a workshop aimed at identifying shared research and innovation priorities on the Energypolis Campus (Sion).
This workshop made it possible to:
- define the concrete needs of blind and visually impaired users,
- explore key features to complement the white cane,
- lay the foundations for a structured collaboration between research and industry.
Since then, The Sense has played a central role in supporting Biped Robotics by scientifically testing and validating devices such as NOA, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness for users.
“Our collaboration with Biped Robotics allows us to practically evaluate devices like NOA and assess their real utility in improving mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired,”
explains Olivier Lorentz, Executive Director of The Sense.
This approach helps transform scientific research into concrete solutions, while guiding industry toward users’ real needs and ensuring that innovations have a tangible impact on autonomy and safety.
Why this study matters
The results show that electronic travel aids can effectively complement the white cane, offering greater safety, comfort, and autonomy for people who are blind or visually impaired.
“These findings open the door to adaptive and personalized solutions to enhance users’ mobility and independence,” concludes Micah M. Murray.
To explore the full details of the study, read the complete open-access article: Access the full article