Blind Navigation

The subfield of navigation research and assistive technology that addresses how people who are blind or have low vision find their way through indoor and outdoor environments without relying on sight. Solutions range from the white cane and guide dog to smartphone apps, BLE beacons, wearable cameras, and autonomous navigation robots. A recurring tension in the field is the balance between route-following assistance (which can reduce cognitive load) and preserving the user's autonomy, spatial awareness, and freedom to deviate from planned paths.