A “smart cane” equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), a camera, and sensors has been developed to guide visually impaired individuals. Users can simply hold the wheeled cane with one hand and follow it, allowing them to navigate streets while avoiding obstacles. The device is expected to significantly expand the mobility of people with visual impairments.

U.S.-based company Glydence recently said that it will officially release its mobility aid for the visually impaired, called Glide, in the spring of next year.

The Glide resembles a household vacuum cleaner in both appearance and size. The main body, weighing 3.5 kilograms, is fitted with two 20-centimeter-diameter wheels. A 1.1-meter-long rod is attached to the body, with a handle at the end that can be gripped with one hand.

When a visually impaired person lightly pushes the Glide’s handle forward, the wheels begin to roll in sync with their walking speed. At the same time, the AI system, camera, and sensors inside the device are activated.

As the user moves, Glide constantly assesses whether any objects lie ahead and whether a collision might occur. If there is a risk of collision, it stops its wheels automatically. The device can identify doors, elevators, stairs, and crosswalks, enabling it to determine where to stop and when to proceed.

Glide provides verbal instructions to guide users to turn left or right as appropriate for the situation. The main body also rotates in the indicated direction. In the event of unusual obstacles, the handle vibrates using a “haptic function” to alert the user.

Overall, Glide could partially fulfill the role of a guide dog. While guide dogs are highly beneficial, they require significant time and cost to train, making them difficult to supply in sufficient numbers. Glide may help address this gap.

Glydence plans to further enhance the technology by integrating it with services like Google Maps, enabling it to guide visually impaired users not just on walks but directly to specific destinations. In the future, a user could instruct Glide to “take me to the convenience store near my home,” similar to the operation of highly advanced autonomous vehicles.

According to Glydence, Glide is powered by an electric battery capable of running continuously for six hours. The device will be sold for US$1,499 (approximately 2.1 million won), with a monthly subscription of $30 (approximately 42,000 won) for updates and other support services.