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British scientists said recently that they had created a cane inspired by bats to help blind and partially sighted people find their stride.

Bats manoeuvre easily by bouncing high-pitched sounds off nearby objects in a process called 'echolocation'.

Researchers at Leeds University used this as the model for their 'Batcane', which emits sonar waves to help users detect obstacles ahead, around, or even above them. Any nearby object triggers a vibration in one of four pads in the cane's handle. As the object gets nearer, the vibration increases.

"They will be warned of objects that are just beyond the reach of the conventional white cane," said Andrew Diston of Cambridge Consultants Ltd, which has developed the cane in conjunction with Sound Foresight Ltd. Diston said the Batcane would help visually impaired people create a 'mind map' of their environment and so encourage independent mobility. Reuters, London

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