After introducing the omni-wheel I thought it would be a good opportunity to jump forward and show an application that leverages the functionality of an omni-wheel effectively.
The OMNI-SENSE is one such application. It is a new approach to the white cane tip.
White canes are used by people with vision impairment to sense the obstructions in path ahead of them. This can be done in several ways, one of which is known as the constant contact method. Traditionally a large white ball on a bearing is mounted at the tip. It allows for easy left and right sweeping as the ball rolls that way. Moving forward, however, the plastic ball is pushed across the surface. Over time, and rather quickly, actually, it wears out, thanks to abrasion across the different surfaces we typically travel.
The OMNI-SENSE is different. It features 2x 50mm omni-wheels mounted to a central t-shaped anchor, which connects each of the wheels to the cane tip. Two versions are available: hook-on and slip-on.
Once securely fastened, the user simply pushes the cane ahead, same as with the ball, while sweeping left and right to clear the path. The big difference when compared to the ball is that the wheels freely roll forward as well as sideways, simultaneously, allowing the user to move the tip at any angle or curve while continuously moving forward.
Originally developed with and trialed by Ian Edwards, the Blind Chef, he reflects on using the tip for more than 12 months. Indeed, for more than 12 months he has only been using one tip in an effort to see how long it lasts. According to him, it is barely worn. He expects that during the same time he would have gone through 3-4 of the ball tips.
The OMNI-SENSE is also easy to maintain. It can be taken apart completely by slipping the wheels over the axle ends. The parts are all polymer and very corrosion resistant. The unit can be freely rinsed under running water, washed in the sink, or even put in the dishwasher.
To hear more, watch the below video with Ian Edwards.
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