VIU Students Create a Smart Warning System for Visual Impairment
Two Vancouver Island University (VIU) students are turning classroom theory into a practical aid for people with visual impairments. The Proximity Pal is a compact, chest-worn device designed to act as an early warning system, nudging users with vibrations when obstacles are detected within close range. The project blends information technology and applied systems (ITAS) with real-world problem solving, illustrating how experiential learning can lead to tangible, life-changing innovations.
How it Works: From Idea to Early Warning
The Proximity Pal sits across the chest and houses a microprocessor, sensors, vibration motors, and a battery. When an object enters roughly 1.5 metres of the wearer, the device begins to vibrate. The system gradually increases vibration strength as the obstacle gets closer, providing a simple, intuitive cue that helps users plan their movements and avoid collisions. As one of the designers, ITAS student Jack Redberger, explains, the device is “an early warning system” and, in effect, “like giving someone an extra sense.”
Redberger’s inspiration came from a documentary about blind navigation in big cities. He recounts hearing a blind person describe how city scaffolding could be hard to detect with a cane, especially for obstacles above the waist. The idea: improve situational awareness before a potential obstacle becomes critical. Redberger and collaborator Jay Koidhis began prototyping with off-the-shelf components, learning to bridge software and hardware so the device could communicate seamlessly with the wearer.
Prototype Evolution: From Ultrasonic to LIDAR
In the first version, the team used an ultrasonic sensor to gauge distance. They found that replacing it with LIDAR—while maintaining a compact footprint—could yield more accurate readings and better performance in diverse environments. The move to LIDAR signals a significant step toward a more reliable, market-ready device. Additionally, the designers are rethinking the power system to shrink the device, reduce weight, and extend battery life, all essential factors for wearable tech meant for daily use.
Collaboration and Support: A Path to Real-World Impact
The project has drawn interest from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, which plans to test Proximity Pal and offer feedback. This collaboration underscores how academic projects can align with advocacy organizations to refine tools that genuinely improve independence and mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired.
VIU credits the ITAS program for providing a framework and mentorship. “It started as a class assignment,” Koidhis notes, but with guidance from instructors like Allan McDonald, the project has grown beyond expectations. The mentorship and access to resources illustrate the program’s emphasis on experiential learning—teaching students to identify real-world problems and develop viable technology-based solutions.
Awards, Recognition, and Future Ambitions
Redberger was honored with the Lloyd Milburn Innovation Award, which supports VIU and University of Victoria students tackling health and equity challenges. The grant not only recognizes the potential impact of Proximity Pal but also provides startup mentorship and access to the UVic Innovation Centre’s resources, helping to advance the prototype toward commercialization.
With graduation approaching, both students plan to continue their careers in technology. Redberger aims for roles in systems administration, while Koidhis hopes to contribute to IT in government or education sectors. Their aspirations reflect a broader commitment to applying technology to public good.
What This Means for Accessibility Innovation
Proximity Pal exemplifies how wearable devices can enhance independence for people with visual impairments. By offering early tactile feedback about nearby objects, the device can complement existing mobility tools such as canes and guide dogs. While still in development, the project highlights the importance of student-led innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations to bring helpful technologies to market.
As VIU continues to nurture this spirit of practical problem-solving, Proximity Pal stands as a promising example of how universities can contribute to healthier, more inclusive communities through thoughtful design and accessible technology.
