”Would the smart cane benefit me?”: Perceptions of the Visually Impaired towards Smart Canes

ABSTRACT The white cane is used as one of the options for mobility by people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) but it comes with limitations like the lack of overhead detection and recognition of safety hazards. Smart canes were designed to address some of the white cane’s issues but the adoption of this technology has been minimal. We spoke with 16 BVI participants for an in-depth view on their smart cane experiences and needs. While the biggest concern was related to cost, we found that other factors like product consistency, durability, and the lack of awareness, trust, and confidence from the users all contribute to the low adoption rate of smart canes.