Sep 24 2014
Novasentis, Inc., leading developer of haptics and sensory feedback technology, and HumanWare, the global leader in assistive technologies for people who are blind or have low vision, today revealed a ground-breaking partnership to embed miniaturized sensory feedback actuators into devices serving the 285 million people that are blind or visually impaired.
By leveraging Novasentis’ paper-thin and flexible Electro-Mechanical Polymer (EMP) actuator and sensor technology, HumanWare will be developing and bringing to market new products with richer tactile feedback that will make it easier for visually impaired to experience and interact with digital content on computers and mobile devices.
“Our breakthrough EMP actuators and sensors enable designers to rethink their products, design products with a rich and meaningful haptic user experience, crucial for Assistive technology,” said Dr. Christophe Ramstein, CEO of Novasentis. “I am very excited to be working with HumanWare on developing the most innovative technology that exists today for the very people that benefit the most from advanced sensory experiences.”
This co-development effort offers Novasentis the opportunity to put its patented EMP technology to work in a brand new vertical – for the good of sight-impaired people who depend on touch and audio feedback to connect with the world. It also signifies the rapid growth and demand for advanced haptic technology in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare and more. Additionally, the announcement solidifies HumanWare’s leadership position in providing innovative assistive products to enhance the lives of the millions of people that are blind or have visual impairments.
“At HumanWare, we have been exploring the use of haptic feedback to enhance access to information for visually impaired people since the beginning of the 1990s. Only recently have we found Novasentis technology, which has great potential in our field,” said Gilles Pepin, President & CEO of HumanWare. “There are a number of applications of the EMP technology for our future products. We will work closely with Novasentis to bring this promising technology to our market.”
Links
- For technical specifications and references: http://novasentis.com/technology.html
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About HumanWare
HumanWare (www.humanware.com) is the global leader in assistive technologies that empower people who are blind or have low vision by giving them the independence to participate effectively within a sighted world. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote® Apex and Brailliant, the leading productivity devices for the blind in education, business and for personal use; Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players; the unique ProdigiTM family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and Trekker® Breeze, the all-in-one handheld talking GPS.
About Novasentis
Novasentis is the leading supplier of the world’s thinnest and most flexible polymer-based actuator technology. The patented electro-mechanical polymer (EMP) technology and products are ideal for creating rich haptic feedback and a completely new user experience for ultra-thin, portable consumer electronics including haptic keyboards, mobile devices and accessories. The versatile technology also has novel applications in industries such as medical and automotive. Founded in 2006, Novasentis is privately held and headquartered in Burlingame, Calif. with advanced manufacturing facilities in State College, Penn., and global sales offices in Korea and Tokyo. More information on Novasentis is available at www.novasentis.com.
Source: http://www.novasentis.com/