Meet Hugo: a distance sensing device for people with a (visual) disability

A couple of companies and organizations have started to deploy technology and apps for social distancing. For example, Apple has now introduced iPhone functionality that measures the distance away from others.

Hugo is a nice example of distance sensing device for people with a cognitive and visual impairment. It can beep, vibrate and talk to indicate distance.

It is hard to estimate 1.5 meter for people with a visual or cognitive impairment. Current distance-sensing devices are not suitable for them. That is why Bartiméus co-created their own distance devices at their Fablab, to make it especially suitable for them.

The goal of this innovation is to enable people with a cognitive and visual impairment to move safely in our society. Different versions are now being iteratively tested with users at Bartiméus together with Estinea.