Ashirase

"ashirase" is a walking navigation service for people with visual impairments, using a vibration device attached to your shoe. The "ashirase" device works in tandem with your iPhone to communicate directions and guidance through vibrations on the top and heel of your foot. When it comes to route guidance, you can get a sense of the distance to the next turn ahead of time, as well as the direction — left or right — you'll need to take at that corner. For directional guidance, the "ashirase" app determines which way you need to head relative to the direction you're currently facing — at the start of navigation and as you approach your destination — and your "ashirase" device communicates this through vibrations on your foot. Because "ashirase" delivers route information through vibration, it won't interfere with your vision or hearing, supporting people with visual impairments to walk safely and with confidence.