VIU students pioneer a wearable safety aid for the visually impaired
At Vancouver Island University, a project that began as a classroom assignment has blossomed into a tangible tool aimed at increasing 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 before they reach arm’s length. The concept blends hardware, software, and human-centered design to address real-world mobility challenges.
How Proximity Pal works
The device sits across the chest and packs a microprocessor, sensors, vibration motors, and a battery into a compact package. When an object is detected roughly 1.5 metres away, the Proximity Pal begins to vibrate. As the distance decreases, the vibration grows stronger, providing a tactile cue that helps users gauge how close an obstacle is. “It’s like giving someone an extra sense,” explained ITAS student Jack Redberger, who conceived the idea during a class project.
Redberger and fellow student Jay Koidhis are refining the prototype to improve practicality and sustainability. They’ve moved from an ultrasonic sensor to light-detection-and-ranging (LIDAR) technology for more accurate readings and are redesigning the power system to make the device smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting. Koidhis notes that integrating software and hardware was one of the biggest hurdles: “Getting the devices to talk to each other was the hardest part.”
From classroom project to potential market product
The Proximity Pal is evolving with advice and testing from outside partners. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind has expressed interest in evaluating the device and providing feedback that could shape future iterations. The project demonstrates VIU’s commitment to experiential learning, where students translate classroom knowledge into viable solutions that address real-world needs.
In reflecting on the initiative, Koidhis credited the ITAS program for giving them the tools and support to push the project beyond expectations. “It started as a class assignment,” he said, “but with support from our instructors—especially Allan McDonald—we’ve taken it way further than we expected.”
Recognition, funding, and the road ahead
The students’ work recently received the Lloyd Milburn Innovation Award, shared with peers from the University of Victoria. The award underscores a growing ecosystem at VIU that links student innovation with health equity and community impact. The funding will assist in developing the second prototype and provide access to startup mentorship and resources through 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.”
What this means for accessibility and careers in tech
Beyond the immediate benefits for people with visual impairments, the Proximity Pal project highlights a broader trend in technology education: learning by building. The collaboration between Redberger and Koidhis demonstrates how students can address accessibility challenges with practical, scalable solutions. The experience has already influenced their career plans: Redberger aims for a role in systems administration, while Koidhis hopes to work in IT within local government or education.
Looking forward
As the Proximity Pal transitions from prototype to testbed, the VIU project illustrates how universities can serve as incubators for assistive technology. With continued support from instructors, industry partners, and accessibility organizations, the device has the potential to evolve into a market-ready tool that expands independence for people who are visually impaired and redefines what “safety” means in mobility.
For VIU, the Proximity Pal is more than a class project—it is a case study in experiential learning, student innovation, and the pursuit of inclusive technology that makes everyday life safer and more navigable for everyone.
