Many of us take our sight for granted. We often rely on our sight without realizing its importance until it’s taken from us. If you or someone you know suffers from any form of visual impairment, you should check out the WeWalk Smart Cane 2, which debuted at CES 2025.
AI-powered accessibility
The standout feature of the Smart Cane 2 is built-in support for AI. AI is something we’re starting to see in many products these days. In this case, it could be useful, rather than just a buzzword thrown in for marketing hype.
Thanks to its built-in sensors, which include an ultrasonic time-of-flight sensor, an inertial measurement unit with six-axis motion tracking, and a barometric pressure sensor, it can pick up all sorts of potentially useful data around it.
Users can get this information through the accompanying smartphone app or the cane itself. It can give users information about their surroundings, like the names of restaurants or shops, as the user walks by. The voice assistant uses ChatGPT, enabling users to ask questions directly from the cane so users will not have to reach for their phones. This is more convenient for those who are visually impaired and need to hold a cane.
The Smart Cane 2 also features a pulse density modulated microphone. This microphone helps to detect things and then provides feedback to the user.
Redesigned ergonomics
This is not the first smart cane from WeWalk. WeWalk introduced the first model a few years back. The company has since made some design changes and improvements over the previous model.
This includes a new, slimmer handle. At CES, WeWalk claims that its new Smart Cane 2 is about the same weight as a standard white cane. The new model also does away with the touchpad in favor of tactile buttons. It is also now rainwater-resistant which now allows users to use it under different weather conditions. Users can also fold and unfold it when needed.
Pricing & availability
The WeWalk Smart Cane 2, is currently pre-order it from the company’s website. The standalone cane is priced at $850, and you can add the voice assistant for an additional $4.99 a month.
If you prefer to avoid a monthly subscription, which could add up over time, you can pay $1,150 outright for the cane with all of its features included.
This is not a cheap device by any means, but with all of its features it definitely has the potential to improve the quality of life of the user and could be worth the investment.
