Braze Mobility of Toronto is on a mission to make wheelchairs smarter thanks to its patented blind spot sensors. But don’t call them cameras; instead, the company offers an obstacle detection system of proximity sensors and proximity alarms and alerts.
The company recently announced a distribution partnership with Beyond Mobility in the UK, which will help Braze expand further into the UK market.
CEO Pooja Viswanathan, co-founder of Braze in 2016, said the two companies share similar values of empathy, quality and individualized care in helping empower wheelchair users “without taking away their control.” She holds a PhD in AI and robotics and is an assistant professor in the field.
The Braze system uses sensors to provide wheelchair users with real-time feedback with lights, sounds and vibrations for a feeling of better spatial awareness. “Our system supports your right to drive your wheelchair by enhancing your spatial awareness,” according to the company’s website.
The sensors are designed to help navigate tight spaces, including doorways and elevators, as well as ramps and crowded areas such as public transit.
Phil Ratzlaff, a US Marine veteran, said using Braze sensors on the front and rear of his chair “makes me more mobile, safe and secure.” The technology is a SAM approved vendor that supports both US and Canadian Veterans.
The sensors can be attached in different locations on any powered or manual wheelchair, according to the company. Alerts of objects in close proximity are provided with LED lights, vibrations on the back of the chair or elsewhere and audio feedback with a beeping sound. A demonstration video shows a user deboarding a public transit vehicle through a narrow space while backing up, then turning 90-degrees and rolling down a ramp.
The sensor system is made up of various components, including the Braze Sentina for 180 degrees of horizontal coverage and 50 degrees of vertical coverage, equipped with an LED display and control panel and audio feedback. Three vibration modules are available and are sold separately for haptic feedback. The system is p;owered by a standard USB power source.
The system also can include Braze Hydra, a vibration module and an Echo Head device.