See more objects with the tag motion, collapsible, symbols, tubular, mobility, navigation, blind, vision, icons, cane, white, guidance, vibrating, ultrasonic, sensor, aid, low vision.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2014

  • Work on this object began.

2017

2025

  • You found it!

Cane, SmartCane (Unfolded)

This is a Cane. It was designed by IIT Delhi, Phoenix Medical Systems and Saksham Trust. It is dated 2014. Its medium is plastic.

SmartCane was designed to address the needs of people in the developing world with vision loss. A significant feature is that it can detect obstructions between a person’s knee and chest up to three meters away. Sensors emit and receive ultrasonic waves that trigger haptic vibrations when a physical hazard is detected, using various patterns to differentiate obstacles and distances.

This object was donated by IIT Delhi. It is credited Gift of Assistech, I.I.T. Delhi.

  • Plate
  • plastic.
  • Gift of Henry Dreyfuss.
  • 1972-88-129-1
  •
  • Beaker And Cover
  • wood, turned, fruit wood.
  • Gift of Clinton Wilder.
  • 1979-86-39-a,b

Our curators have highlighted 12 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Path Feel
  • electronic components, printed circuit board, foam.
  • Purchased by the museum for the exhibition.
  • s-e-2652
  • Path Finder
  • electronic components, printed circuit board, laser, rubber, plastic.
  • Purchased by the museum for the exhibition.
  • s-e-2653

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 108 × 5 × 4 cm (42 1/2 × 1 15/16 × 1 9/16 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Access+Ability.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1126115493/ |title=Cane, SmartCane (Unfolded) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>