Understanding the Hand and Wrist Strains Caused by Smart Cane Handles with Haptic Notification

Abstract

Smart canes that use a haptic notification approach for informing cane users of upcoming obstacles can use vibrators placed on the handle. Prior studies have focused on the technical and functional performance of obstacle detection systems for smart canes. However, limited studies have been conducted to understand the hand and wrist strains on cane users when using a smart cane with a haptic notification approach. Understanding these strains can result in different handle and haptic notification designs that can minimize the stress and possibly injury to the cane users. Therefore, a research team conducted an initial exploratory study in which the participants observed any challenges they faced when using a smart cane prototype called an Intelligent Mobility Cane (IMC). The findings indicate that when they try to swing the cane handle and hold the vibrators on the handle at the same time, they can experience hand and wrist strain. Also, the vibrations can provide a heightened anxiety in some participants. To minimize their hand and wrist strains, some participants modified their cane holding method. We provided a set of design recommendations for future smart cane handles and haptic approaches based on the participants’ feedback to help reduce the strains for cane users.