Vibrotactile Boots Keep Astronauts on Their Toes

Sep-20-17 The vibrotactile boots from the team at Draper could help astronauts—and the visually impaired—keep their footing.

As we come closer to exploring the rocky terrain of Mars and other planets, researchers have been creating tools to help astronauts detect obstacles that can be hard to detect. To that end, the team from Draper developed a sensor-laden boot that will vibrate to alert the wearer to an impending obstacle. To improve the system, the team has now added an augmented reality display that will provide visual information as to the location of the impending obstacle. According to the team, the display system delivers better results than the vibration system alone.

Besides keeping astronauts grounded, the system could also have applications in first responder gear and tools for the visually impaired.

Image credit: NASA

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[NEWATLAS.COM]
[DRAPER.COM]

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