Headline: Haptic Innovations: Transforming Navigation for the Visually Impaired
In a world where smartphones and navigation apps are commonplace, individuals with blindness and low vision still face significant challenges when it comes to navigation. Haptic, a groundbreaking company focused on developing non-visual and non-verbal navigation solutions, is ready to take its innovative technology global. Presenting at the Startup Battlefield during TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Haptic showcased its journey from concept to prototype, highlighting its commitment to enhancing accessibility for all.
The Genesis of Haptic
Founded in 2017, Haptic arose from a personal tragedy that touched its founders. After one of their friends lost their sight in an accident, a dedicated group of colleagues began exploring ways to assist individuals in navigation without relying on visual or auditory cues. As co-founder and head of business, Enzo Caruso, explained, existing solutions like screen readers and auditory navigation directions often fall short in practicality and convenience for users with visual impairments.
“We recognized the need for alternative interfaces. Touch is a universal experience,” Caruso noted. “Why not receive information in a more robust, intuitive, and accessible way? Everyone can understand the sensation of touch. It’s global, it’s universal.”
A Game-Changing Technology
The innovative technology that Haptic has developed and patented employs vibrations and tactile sensations to guide users in real-time. Their flagship concept, the “haptic corridor,” sends a steady pulse when a user is on the correct path, while accelerating or intensifying the vibration if they stray off course. After just a few moments of use, clients can intuitively grasp the technology, making navigation accessible and straightforward.
The advantages of this haptic navigation system are extensive: it functions regardless of the user’s language, necessitates no specialized hardware, and can guide individuals through crowded city streets, vast landscapes, or even indoor spaces—though the latter is still in development.
Collaboration Over Competition
Initially, Haptic employed wearables to implement their haptic corridor. However, as technological advancements emerged in the consumer market, the company decided to pivot their model. “Technology advances while you’re advancing. Smartwatches have gotten better. Do you want to be in competition with the Googles and Apples out there… or do you want to have them as allies? You can take your SDK from thousands of users to billions of users,” Caruso explained.
Haptic’s year-long strategic shift focuses on distributing its revolutionary product widely rather than merely validating its functionality. Prospective partnerships with industry giants such as Google or Uber could propel this vision forward.
The Future of Navigation
Imagining a world where visually impaired individuals can navigate their environment seamlessly, Haptic’s CEO and co-founder Kevin Yoo envisions a future where users need not even take their phones out of their pockets. “Picture walking straight to your Uber at the airport or finding your way through a crowded venue guided only by the pulse of your smartwatch,” Yoo stated. “This technology is not just for those with vision impairments; it’s useful for everyone.”
To ensure success, Haptic seeks collaboration across various sectors. “Telecom, transportation, and government entities are all beginning to converge into a common network,” Yoo asserted. With advancements in smart devices and a concentrated focus on “hyper-accurate location” capabilities, Haptic envisions expanding indoor navigation features and integrating with additional services in the near future.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth
Currently partnered with organizations like Waymap, Cooley, WID, and Infinite Access, Haptic is actively seeking more collaborative ventures. Recently, they secured a significant one million dollar contract with Aira, an app that connects users with live assistance from sighted helpers. This partnership will enhance the user experience by minimizing the need for detailed step-by-step guidance, enabling assistants to drop pins on a map or provide shortcut services.
“Our revenue model does not hinge on monetizing our application,” Yoo added. “We offer a free app available in 31 countries, supported by licensing and integration strategies—that’s the cornerstone of our business.”
In pursuit of further growth, Haptic is currently in the middle of a funding round, aiming to establish relationships with larger enterprises like Uber and T-Mobile.
Join the Movement
Haptic stands poised to redefine navigation for visually impaired individuals and the general public alike, fostering independence and enhancing mobility. As they continue their journey, the potential for transforming how we interact with our environments is enormous.
What are your thoughts on Haptic’s innovative navigation technology? Share your perspectives in the comments below!
For further information on Haptic’s groundbreaking innovations, visit TechCrunch, The Verge, or Wired.
Stay tuned for more updates as Haptic evolves its technology and partnerships, making a bold impact in the tech landscape and beyond.
