An extension of spatial and tactile perception based on haptics

This paper describes the assistive technology device called ELC (Electronic Long Cane), which was developed as a mobility aid for blind or visual impaired people. This approach comprises an ergonomic design along with an embedded electronics inside the grip of a traditional long cane which, by mean of haptics, spreads human spatial and tactile perception, so improving human locomotion. Qualitative results are presented and discussed.