The Tactile Arrow is an invention of Ir. M. de Wilt and is the heart of the I-Cane system. On the authority of the I-Cane Foundation, Mrs. De Wilt has done research together with the Technical University in Delft in 2005 / 2006. This This thesis subject was partly sponsored by DSM. To create a first Tactile Arrow prototype was the achievement.

The Tactile Arrow appeared to be a promising, unique, easily accessible solution for the support of visually impaired people.

Currently, there is a working Tactile Arrow laboratory model, tested by blind people. The handle of the intelligent cane is equiped with a tangible, rotating and tilting arrow there were the user’s thumb is. He or she will know exactly which way to go because of the moving arrow. Besides navigating, the Arrow ill also serve as an obstacle detector. It will do so by means of built in detection sensors.

Please klick "Feel It" for an animation / demonstration of the Tactile Arrow.