WeWalk Smart Cane 2 Showcases AI Innovation at CES 2025

WeWalk unveiled the latest iteration of its smart cane for individuals with visual impairments at CES 2025, presenting a revamped design that addresses previous limitations while incorporating advanced AI features and enhanced sensors from TDK. Co-founder Kursat Ceylan, who is blind, highlighted that the Smart Cane 2 aims to enhance mobility and safety by offering turn-by-turn navigation, obstacle detection, and a ChatGPT-powered voice assistant, providing users with instant information without the need for a smartphone.

Credit: WeWALK

The WeWalk Smart Cane 2 boasts a sleeker handle for improved comfort and is now as lightweight as a standard white cane. Featuring tactile buttons for enhanced usability, the new model eliminates the touchpad that some users found challenging. Ceylan emphasised its all-weather utility, describing it as "rainwater-resistant" for versatile use in various conditions.

Credit: WeWALK

Ceylan detailed the cane's features, including a speaker, microphone, obstacle detection technology, flashlight for visibility in low light, and motion sensors for precise navigation. Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as an ultrasonic time-of-flight sensor and inertial measurement unit, the cane provides haptic and audio feedback to alert users of obstacles ahead, enhancing safety and independence.

During a demonstration at the bustling Las Vegas Convention Centre, Ceylan showcased the cane's effectiveness in alerting users to obstacles, even in noisy environments. The Smart Cane 2 can connect to headphones via Bluetooth and, when paired with a smartphone, offers navigation guidance, information about surroundings, and details on public transportation options, enhancing the user's awareness and independence.

Credit: WeWALK

WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is now available for pre-order, with the initial shipments expected to commence before the end of the month. Priced at $850 for the cane and a $4.99 monthly subscription for the voice assistant, or $1150 for full AI functionality without additional fees, the innovative device is accessible internationally. The company has also partnered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to integrate the Smart Cane 2 into its training program, aiming to gather valuable data to enhance mobility cane usage and empower individuals with visual impairments.

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• WeWalk introduces Smart Cane 2 at CES 2025 with enhanced design and AI features.

• Features include turn-by-turn navigation, obstacle detection, and a voice assistant.

• Priced at $850 with a subscription or $1150 for full AI functionality, available globally.

Source: ENGADGET