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We can already imagine just what you're thinking -- the blind have no place behind the wheel, right? As it turns out, though, cars can steer themselves these days, so there technically no reason why (save a few laws) a computer-assisted blind person couldn't drive. Virginia Tech successfully tested a laser-guided dirt buggy last year (see above), and teaming with the Nationa... l Federation of the Blind this week, it intends to demonstrate a full-size augmented SUV next year. In January 2011, the Daytona racetrack will play host to a heavily customized Ford Escape, filled with "nonvisual interfaces" like a vibrating vest and gloves, a steering wheel that provides audio cues on when to turn, and a device called AirPix that fires blasts of compressed air at a driver's face. Even with all those gizmos, we understand if you still might not want your neighbors barreling down the street, but let's face it -- plenty of us sighted folks are just as visually impaired. Video and full press release after the break.

Continue reading Prototype car with tactile feedback challenges the blind to drive (video)

Prototype car with tactile feedback challenges the blind to drive (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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