ClearWay Mobility's Smart Cane Attachment Enhances Safety for Visually Impaired

ClearWay Mobility has unveiled a smart attachment that adds obstacle detection to the standard white cane used by visually impaired people in Mumbai. The device, developed by 17‑year‑old student Jaiveer Talwar, fits onto any white cane and alerts users to hazards through vibration and optional audio cues. It works independently of a smartphone, app, or new cane, offering an affordable, reliable, and easy‑to‑use solution for people who rely on the traditional cane for navigation.

The attachment was born at a school science fair in 2021 and has evolved into a commercial product after three years of research, testing, and user feedback. Talwar, a student at The Cathedral & John Connon School, first identified the problem while observing visually impaired commuters struggle with uneven pavements, crowds, and unexpected obstacles in Mumbai’s busy streets. He chose to focus on a problem he could see around him and began prototyping a wearable alert system that could be added to existing canes.

In 2024, Talwar completed an internship with a prosthetics company to gain practical experience in mobility challenges and assistive technologies. The internship helped him refine the design and understand the technical requirements for a device that could function in varied urban environments. By 2026, a revised version of ClearWay was tested at the Smt. Kamla Mehta Dadar School for the Blind in Mumbai. The testing session provided encouraging feedback from students and teachers, but also highlighted the need for simplicity, durability, and user‑friendly operation in a real‑world setting.

ClearWay’s design prioritises three core principles: affordability, reliability, and ease of use. The device attaches to the cane’s shaft, eliminating the need for a separate cane or smartphone. Its vibration motor delivers a clear, discreet alert when an obstacle is detected within a short range. An optional audio speaker can provide spoken warnings for users who prefer auditory cues. The system operates on a small battery that can be recharged with a standard charger, and the device includes a GPS tracker that allows family members to monitor a user’s location when necessary, addressing safety concerns for visually impaired young women.

The company has entered the manufacturing stage, with an initial batch of ClearWay units being produced. The next phase will involve further user testing, collaboration with schools and institutions for wider deployment, and efforts to scale the product to make it accessible to a broader audience. ClearWay Mobility plans to work closely with blind and visually impaired communities to refine the device based on real‑time feedback and to ensure that the technology meets the practical needs of its users.

ClearWay Mobility, an early‑stage assistive mobility venture, was founded by Jaiveer Talwar. Its flagship product is the white cane attachment that adds obstacle alerts while prioritising affordability, reliability and ease of use. More information, product videos, and photographs can be found on the company’s website at https://www.clearway-mobility.com.

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