Assistive Navigation Technologies for Visually Impaired Users
Summary
Assistive navigation technologies for visually impaired users have advanced from rudimentary sensory substitution devices to sophisticated systems that integrate computer vision, machine learning and non-visual feedback. Modern solutions span wearable multisensor arrays, smartphone-based deep learning applications and infrastructure-assisted outdoor guidance, all aimed at fostering independent mobility. Core components include real-time obstacle detection, semantic scene understanding and spatial mapping, delivered through intuitive haptic or auditory channels. Virtual reality environments now offer safe, controllable platforms for iterative design and user training, while ongoing miniaturisation and energy-efficient processing enable unobtrusive devices suitable for daily use. Globally, these technologies address safety, accessibility and social inclusion, with applications in indoor wayfinding, street navigation and public transport support.
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Assistive Navigation Technologies for Visually Impaired Users publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in assistive navigation technologies for visually impaired users across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sensor fusion: The process of combining data from multiple sensors to improve the accuracy and reliability of environmental perception.
Deep learning: A subset of machine learning using layered neural networks to automatically extract high-level features from raw sensor or image data.
Haptic feedback: Tactile or vibratory signals delivered to the user to convey spatial information about obstacles or navigation cues.
Virtual reality (VR): A computer-generated simulation of real-world environments used for safe prototyping, training and evaluation of assistive devices.
Electronic travel aid: A wearable or portable device that assists users in detecting obstacles and determining navigational routes via non-visual modalities.
References
- Design, development and performance analysis of cognitive assisting aid with multi sensor fused navigation for visually impaired people. Journal of Big Data (2023).
- DeepNAVI: A deep learning based smartphone navigation assistant for people with visual impairments. Expert Systems with Applications (2023).
- Virtual reality as a means to explore assistive technologies for the visually impaired. PLOS Digital Health (2023).
- Infrastructure Enabled Guided Navigation for Visually Impaired. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems (2025).
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