WeWALK, RNIB, and ICL consortium secures UKRI funding to improve mobility for visually impaired and elderly

Assistive technology innovators and partners awarded £1.7m project funding

WeWALK, the London-headquartered company behind unique products that enhance the lives of visually impaired people, has secured funding for a £1.7m Designed for Ageing project through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Partnering with Imperial College London and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the project aims to develop a new computer vision-aided solution to help people facing mobility challenges, from catching the right bus to navigating the busiest streets.

WeWALK’s software-enabled products have already transformed mobility for people with visual impairments. The company’s Smart Cane uses a front-mounted ultrasonic sensor that detects obstacles and warns users with vibration feedback. The Smart Cane can also be paired with WeWALK’s smartphone app to give users accessible voice-guided navigation, enabling them to discover and explore new spaces.

The Designed for Ageing funding is delivered on behalf of UKRI as part of the Healthy Ageing Challenge. Led by Jean Marc Feghali, WeWALK’s Head of R&D, the WeWALK team joins forces with Imperial College London and the RNIB, and will use the funds to focus on promoting the widespread use of computer vision-aided navigation, including environmental mapping and situational awareness. The project team aims to build on existing WeWALK architecture while also developing new technology that is accessible and easier to use for key target groups. The project has the potential to enhance the lives of up to 253 million visually impaired and 700 million older people globally by improving access to the spaces where we live, work, and play.

WeWALK co-founder Kürşat Ceylan said: “We are delighted and excited to be embarking on this new project with our partners, thanks to the support of UKRI.

“Computer vision has limitless potential in solving mobility problems experienced by visually impaired and older people, from identifying landmarks to navigating complex spaces. Our specialist knowledge and that of our partners, which have an in-depth understanding of overcoming the barriers to using mobility technology, provide an ideal platform in developing new and effective solutions.”

Professor Washington Ochieng, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, said: “The Design for Ageing Project will enable us to turn the dream of a seamless fully automated navigation system into a reality and transform the quality of life for visually impaired and elderly people.

“Throughout this ground-breaking project, we will be using some of the most sophisticated sensing and analytics technology including AI and machine learning to deliver on our ambitions.”

Robin Spinks, Principal Manager of Digital Accessibility at RNIB, said: “We’re delighted to be working with WeWALK and Imperial College London on this exciting project which gives us an immense opportunity to enhance navigation for people with sight loss.

“We will be heavily involved in user testing working with a large group of blind and partially sighted people to harness their day to day lived experience. We will also be working with our user experience team to develop a game-changing product that will improve the lives of visually impaired individuals worldwide.”

Science Minister George Freeman said: “Today’s winning projects, backed by £20 million government funding and co-designed with older people, will pioneer the use of the latest technologies, from power-assisted exercise machines to smart navigation systems for the visually impaired, to meet the needs of Britain’s older generations.

“It is our firm ambition to ensure that the success of these projects also encourages businesses and academics across the country to develop ideas and technologies fit for our ageing population, improving our health and quality of life while building on the UK’s reputation as an innovation nation.”