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Early Stage: This Y Combinator startup helps blind people ‘see’ using sonar

August 27, 2017 /

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The MDT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program encourages and supports the participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts.

What they make: A wristband that uses sonar to alert visually impaired people of nearby obstacles

Why it’s cool: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a bat, and navigate through the dark using sound waves to detect obstacles? Strapping a Sunu band to your wrist might be the next best thing. The band emits a high-frequency sound wave that bounces off objects in the user’s path, and translates that information into gentle vibrations. By feeling the change in vibrations on his or her wrist, a blind user can navigate around people and other obstacles in a crowded room or sidewalk, find doorways, and more.

By MARISA KENDALL | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

Full Story: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/27/early-stage-this-y-combinator-startup-helps-blind-people-see-using-sonar/