Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur has revealed an affordable touch-sensitive Braille learning device that is predicted to be a boon for the visually impaired. The Braille has been engineered by Professor Siddhartha Panda and Vishwaraj Srivastava of the National Centre of Flexible Electronics (NCFIexE), IITK, the ‘Single Refreshable Braille Cell Based Braille Learning Device with a Touch Sensitive Array’. Braille Literacy rate is alarmingly low across the world and the new invention aims to only bridge this gap. The touch-sensitive Braille learning device will help subjects learn on their own.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, IIT Kanpur Director, shared, “This unique braille learning device represents a significant step towards achieving our primary goal of bridging educational gaps. We’re committed to empowering visually impaired individuals to thrive in our increasing digital world with this affordable, efficient learning tool.” “One of the main cost drivers in modern digital Braille devices is the inclusion of multiple braille cells, typically more than five. This substantially pushes up the price, often rendering these devices inaccessible to those who need them the most,” explained Professor Siddhartha Panda. “However, the Single Refreshable Braille Cell Based Braille Learning Device we’ve developed at NCFlexE, addresses these challenges and is a viable, very affordable alternative.”