Toyota Robotics BLAID
Experiential Prototype for the Visually Impaired.
Helping Visually Impaired Users Navigate With Confidence and Safety
BLAID is a discreet personal mobility device designed to help visually impaired users navigate complex environments using cameras, sensors, and a blend of haptic and audio feedback. Developed in close collaboration with the visually impaired community, it offers four intuitive modes—Explore, Scan, Capture, and Find—that enhance spatial awareness, identify surroundings, store location data, and guide users to specific destinations.
Designed to be worn comfortably like a pair of headphones, BLAID prioritizes subtlety, wearability, and long-term comfort. Through extensive user testing, the team refined the materials and ergonomics to ensure a seamless and empowering experience. The result is a thoughtful blend of inclusive design, advanced sensing, and empathetic innovation.
Related Services
Future Vision Work, Interaction Design
Role
Interaction Design Director, Client Relationship Lead
The BLAID device, with its Explore, Scan, Capture, and Find modes, helps people with visual impairments navigate and explore with new confidence.
Auditory and haptic feedback, combined with intuitively placed touchpoints on the neckband, ensure effortless and user-friendly operation.