CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device For the Blind

Allison Sheridan interviews Javier De Leon from Strap Tech about Ara, their wearable smart device developed for the blind and visually impaired to move faster and safer in everyday life.

Ara is worn on the chest facing outward and has straps around the waist and over the shoulders to keep it in place. About the size of a hamburger bun, the device contains an array of advanced sensors to detect obstacles in the user’s path as they walk.

Ara provides accurate and timely alerts through haptic vibration patterns felt through the straps. Vibrations felt in the shoulder straps indicate an obstacle above the waist while vibrations in the waist straps indicate an obstacle below the waist. Vibrations in shoulder and waist straps mean a large obstacle, such as a wall, is ahead. When the user feels these vibrations, they turn until the vibration stops and continue their walk to avoid the obstacle.

Although Ara can be used on a stand-alone basis, it also has a mode for seamless integration with traditional mobility aids like white canes, guide dogs, or loved ones. Learning to use Ara is straightforward and intuitive.

Ara has a battery life of one full day and a smart on/off mode which automatically powers down the device if the user remains stationary for an extended period or takes a seat. Upon resuming the walk, Ara automatically powers back up.

The interview setting is the CSUN Assistive Tech Conference show floor at the Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, CA.

Learn more at https://strap.tech/
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