Satellite navigation system guides visually-impaired pedestrians

Seen from a distance, a blind man guided by his dog in the streets of Madrid seems quite sure of his way. In fact, he is not listening to music with his headphones but receiving directions to his destination: "Turn to the right, turn to the left, continue straight ahead!" Thanks to a mobile phone combined with a position receiver and a voice synthesizer he can walk confidently through the city while being guided by satellite. Developed by ESA, with the Spanish firm GMV Sistemas, this device offers greater autonomy to the visually impaired. The system is not intended to replace a white cane or a guide dog but to complement them with an 'audible map'. The user no longer needs to seek frequent guidance from other pedestrians; the guidance equipment follows his every move and advises him accordingly.ESApod video programme