Photo source: Bless This Stuff
Nowadays, smartphones and navigation applications are integral to daily life. However, for those with visual impairments, these technologies can pose significant challenges. With this, Haptic is developing a unique approach that allows users to navigate without relying on visual or auditory signals, and they are now poised to expand their reach globally.
The company was founded in 2017 after a colleague experienced vision loss due to an accident, prompting a group of friends to explore navigation solutions that do not depend on sight or sound.
While many apps offer screen readers and spoken directions, these methods are not always practical. Co-founder and business leader Enzo Caruso emphasised the potential of alternative interfaces, particularly touch.
“Why not receive info in a more robust, intuitive, and accessible way? Everyone can understand the sensation of touch. It’s global, it’s worldwide, it’s universal,” said Caruso.
Haptic has developed and patented a technology that utilises vibrations and tactile feedback to convey directional information intuitively. The device emits a steady pulse when the user is on the right path. If they stray off course, the pulse quickens or intensifies, which then is referred to as a “haptic corridor.” Users can grasp this concept quickly, often within seconds.
The benefits of this haptic approach are numerous: it is language-independent, requires no specialised hardware, and can guide users through busy urban environments, open spaces, or even indoor settings—though indoor navigation is still under development.
Initially, this haptic corridor was delivered through a proprietary wearable device. However, Haptic has since adapted to advancements in the market.
“Technology advances while you’re advancing—and smartwatches got better. So, do you want to be in competition with the Googles and Apples out there… or do you want to have them as allies? You can take your SDK from thousands of users to billions of users.” he added.
CEO and co-founder Kevin Yoo explained that this year marks a shift in Haptic’s strategy towards maximising product accessibility. Collaborations with major companies like Google or Uber could significantly enhance their outreach.
Yoo envisioned scenarios where users wouldn’t need to remove their phones from their pockets to locate their Ubers at airports or navigate crowded venues using smartwatch vibrations. This technology could benefit everyone but would be especially valuable for individuals with vision impairments who rely on it for daily navigation.
“Google and Apple, telecoms, Uber, governments… all of this is coming together into a common ground,” Yoo noted. With the advanced capabilities of modern smartwatches and phones combined with Haptic’s focus on “hyper-accurate location,” they aim to implement indoor navigation and integrate with various services.
Currently, Haptic collaborates with partners such as Waymap, Cooley, WID, and Infinite Access, and is negotiating with additional organisations. They recently secured a million-dollar contract with Aira, an application that connects visually impaired users with sighted assistants via their phones. The haptic navigation system would minimise the need for detailed verbal instructions from assistants by simply marking locations on a map or offering other functionalities.
The company is currently in the process of raising funds to pursue larger partnerships with major players like Uber and T-Mobile more aggressively.