Narrator: This is Science Today. A computer engineer at the
University of California , Santa Cruz has developed what's
called a virtual white cane, which is an assisted technology
device for the blind. Roberto Manduchi says in its ultimate
form, the device would look like a flashlight and would be
carried by the blind to help navigate their surroundings.
Manduchi: If you talk with blind people, they love the white
cane, so its not clear if well be able to replace that. The
white cane is very economical, it never runs out of power, you
can fold it and put in your pocket. Being white, it is something
that allows other people to notice you and therefore to behave
accordingly. Narrator: But, Manduchi adds that the white cane
does have its limitations; it bumps into things and cannot
navigate at a distance. Manduchi: So if I'm in an unknown
environment and I'd like to know where the door is, or where the
staircase is, that white cane is not going to help us. The
device were building has much longer range, it is no