HapticNav: Guiding the Way with Touch

Did you know that your sense of touch can help you navigate without sight or sound? That's the idea behind HapticNav, a cool new technology from a company called Haptic. Founded in 2017, Haptic is all about making navigation easier for people who are blind or have low vision. Instead of relying on screens or voices, HapticNav uses vibrations to guide users. It's like feeling your way through a special "haptic corridor" that pulses to show you the right path. If you start to veer off, the pulses change, helping you get back on track. At first, Haptic made their own wearable device for this. But now, they've switched to software that works with smartphones and smartwatches. This way, they can reach more people without competing with big tech companies. This year, Haptic is scaling up big time. They're partnering with major tech platforms to bring their navigation tool to even more users. Imagine using your smartwatch to find your Uber at a busy airport, all thanks to touch! Haptic is also working with other organizations to make tech more accessible. For example, they have a million-dollar contract with Aira, an app that helps people with vision impairments. Together, they're making navigation a lot easier and safer.