Newhaptics develops microfluidic technology for full-page digital braille and tactile graphics displays, enabling users to access braille, graphics, maps, and media in a digital format. This technology addresses the lack of accessible digital information for people who are blind, enhancing their educational and employment opportunities.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
People who are blind or visually impaired lack access to digital information due to the limitations of current braille technology. Existing refreshable braille displays are expensive, limited to a few lines of text, and unable to display graphics, hindering educational and employment opportunities.
Solution
Newhaptics is developing a full-page, refreshable tactile display using microfluidic technology to provide access to digital information for individuals who are blind. The device uses air pressure to raise bubble membranes, creating braille dots on the surface of a tablet, allowing users to read multiple lines of text and interact with spatial information. This technology aims to overcome the limitations of traditional braille displays by providing a more affordable and versatile solution for accessing digital content, including graphics, maps, and textbooks. By enabling a true digital experience, Newhaptics seeks to enhance educational and employment opportunities for the blind community.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals who are blind or visually impaired, educators, and institutions serving the blind community.
Features
- Full-page refreshable braille display for a more comprehensive reading experience
- Microfluidic technology using air pressure to control bubble membranes that form braille dots
- Pixelated surface capable of representing graphics and visual content
- Scalable manufacturing process that reduces production costs compared to traditional braille displays
- Potential to replace bulky braille textbooks with a single, portable device