A New Assistive Tech Idea Takes Shape at VIU
Vancouver Island University (VIU) students are turning classroom curiosity into a practical tool that could improve safety and independence for people with visual impairments. The Proximity Pal is a compact, chest-worn device designed to act as an early warning system, alerting users to nearby obstacles through tactile feedback.
How the Proximity Pal Works
The device sits across the chest and packs a microprocessor, sensor, vibration motors and a battery into a lightweight package. When an object comes within about 1.5 metres, the Proximity Pal begins to vibrate. The strength of the vibration increases as objects draw closer, providing a graduated cue that can help users navigate environments with fewer risks of collision.
From Idea to Prototype
The concept originated with ITAS student Jack Redberger, who envisioned a portable system that could extend a personc9s sense of their surroundings. “Itc9s like giving someone an extra sense,” Redberger said, explaining that the device is intended to be an early warning tool rather than a replacement for mobility aids. Classmate Jay Koidhis has joined Redberger in refining the design, with the goal of creating a market-feasible version.
Redberger was inspired after watching a documentary about blind navigation in big cities. A story about scaffolding in New York highlighted how traditional aids like canes sometimes fall short, especially when obstacles are above waist height. “That really stuck with me and I thought, ‘What if we could help detect obstacles above the waist?’” he recalled.
Overcoming Technical Hurdles
Bringing the Proximity Pal to life required a bridge between software and hardware. “Getting the devices to talk to each other was the hardest part,” Koidhis noted. The team initially used ultrasonic sensors but is now transitioning to LIDAR to achieve more precise readings. They are also rethinking the power system to make the device smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting.
Support, Testing and Real-World Potential
The project has drawn interest from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, which plans to test the Proximity Pal and provide feedback. Such collaboration could accelerate moves toward real-world usability and affordability. The VIU project highlights the value of experiential learning, where students tackle tangible problems and push ideas toward viability.
VIU faculty member Allan McDonald praised Redberger and Koidhis for their commitment. “The program encourages student growth not only through academic understanding but also by providing opportunities to address real-world problems and develop viable solutions using technology,” he said. The experience reflects VIUc9s emphasis on hands-on learning and innovation.
Acknowledging Support and Future Plans
Redberger received the Lloyd Milburn Innovation Award, which recognizes VIU and UVic students who pursue real-world health and equity challenges. The funding will help advance the second prototype, including access to startup mentorship and resources at the UVic Innovation Centre. “I was surprised and really grateful to get the award,” Redberger said. “It showed me that this idea could actually help people.”
Looking ahead, both Redberger and Koidhis plan to continue careers in technology after graduation. Redberger aims for a role in systems administration, while Koidhis hopes to work in IT for local government or an education office, continuing to apply their skills to public-interest projects.
What This Means for the Future of Assistive Tech
The Proximity Pal project embodies a broader trend in assistive technology: turning smart devices into reliable companions that extend independence for people with disabilities. As prototypes become lighter and more accurate thanks to advances in sensor technology like LIDAR, wearable solutions could become more accessible and affordable for a wide range of users. VIUc9s students are demonstrating how classroom innovation can translate into tools that impact daily life, health, and equity.
For now, the VIU team continues to refine the Proximity Pal and explore partnerships that could move the device from lab benches to real-world use. If successful, it may not only enhance mobility for individuals with visual impairments but also inspire a new wave of student-led initiatives that blend technology with empathy and public service.
