Werteloberfell Sense Five Smart White Cane is a concept project to help visually impaired people navigate their way easier. This cane utilizes a surface changing structure then haptically communicates the environmental information to its user. The use of responsive surface material opens up a new way of communication and interaction, it is based on the idea of ever-changing data to help increase other human senses much more than senses of sight and hearing to perceive information.

Sense Five White Cane features ergonomically designed cylinder, it is ideal for activating responsive material in grip applications. The transformation of its surface from smooth to rough can be controlled by a simple rotation mechanism.

Sense Five white cane concept transmits information of its surroundings via surface structure of the handle, the haptic feedback is intuitive and allows visually impaired people to have redirected perception of their situation. Werteloberfell is hoped that this cane allows for visually impaired people to enjoy high degree of mobility without a problem.

The integrated ultrasonic sensor is able to detect obstacles up to five meters away, it is designed for waist-high obstacles, which can’t be detected with conventional canes. Sense Five is also able to detect fast-moving objects such as cars, any information is passed in real-time through the changes of the handle. Using different rhythms and intensities, differentiated communication is possible. Sense Five provides user with reliable mobility aid, it has an explicit on and off switch, which is essential to user with visual impairment. Therefore, the switch is designed in such a way that this cane is only positioned in the hand when the switch is on and serves a stop to position the handle safely. Equipped with low energy LEDs that will automatically turn on in the dark, this cane guarantees visibility for other road users.