News Summary

Startups are pushing the boundaries of mobility technology for visually impaired individuals with innovative solutions displayed at CES 2025. London-based WeWalk has introduced two models of smart canes, the Smartcane 2 and Smartcane+ 2, priced at $850 and $1,150, respectively. The latter model includes a voice-controlled assistant, capable of detecting both ground-level and overhead obstacles. The canes connect wirelessly to smartphones, providing walking directions via an onboard speaker and tactile phone interaction through handle buttons. Meanwhile, Washington state-based startup Glidance has unveiled Glide, an autonomous mobility aid described as a robot. Glide features a wheeled base with a handle and employs stereo-depth cameras to navigate obstacles, doors, elevators, and more. Priced at $1,500 or $1,799 with a subscription, Glide is in its soft launch phase, with a fully shipping product expected in a year. Glidance has successfully raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding and is closing a $5 million seed round.