Microfluidic technology for a full-page braille and graphical tactile display

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT In this SBIR projectNewHaptics seeks to increase braille literacy rates and improve educational opportunities in STEM related subjects for the blind by creating a low cost full page braille and graphical tactile displayAccess to braille and graphical contente ggraphsmapschartsin an electronic form is essential for literacy and proficiency in science and other math related subjectsThe high cost and limited capability of current single line refreshable braille displays represents a significant accessibility barrier for people who are blindand places blind students at a significant disadvantage in today s increasingly digital classroomNewHaptics is developing microfluidic technology that makes the creation of a low cost full page display possibleMicrofluidic circuits are employed to modulate air pressure to raise and lower tactile bubbles on a flat surfaceThe circuits and bubbles are integrated together in a soft substratethus realizing a highly manufacturable and low cost designThis SBIR project aims to scale down microfluidic circuits and integrate them with tactile bubbles in a microfluidic chip according to braille specificationsIn Phase IIwe will work closely with potential users and partners in the blind community on final product developmentThe product will enable true digital interaction using the sense of touch and enhance the quality of life of blind Americans by improving opportunities in educationand ultimately their employment success and independence NARRATIVE This project will significantly reduce the burden of accessing information for themillion blind people in the United States by making a full page of braille text and tactile graphics available in a device resembling a tablet computerSuch a display will provide increased access to braille and enable blind students to read digitized spatial content including mathematical equationsgraphsand figures with their fingerscreating parity with their sighted counterparts interested in STEM fieldsOur product will improve braille literacyopportunities in STEM fieldsand ultimately the employment success and independence of blind Americans