For Therapists

 

Our blind spot sensors are based on over a decade of research by a trans-disciplinary team consisting of leading clinical researchers in wheelchair training and assessment, as well as engineers developing state-of-the-art "smart" wheelchairs. We use clinical evidence, user centered design methods, and co-design with users to ensure that our products help users, their families, and therapists achieve their goals for independent mobility.

Blind Spot Sensor Systems and Wheelchair Training

Braze sensor systems do more than just alert users to objects behind them. They were designed to increase the overall spatial awareness of the person using the system. This can be used to help people perform activities of daily living with their wheelchair, while maintaining their independence.

Braze Sentina Controller Warning Zone

The Braze Sentina has three rear feedback zones- right, middle and left. These zones are relayed to the user via LED lights (pictured above) and/or vibration. This intuitive feedback is helpful to navigate through tight spaces, by providing the user with a clear understanding of how they are positioned. Clients using the Braze Sentina are able to easily understand the feedback and most are able to use it to navigate within minutes. Some of the specific use cases are as follows:

Icons depicting different use cases
  • The Braze Sentina has been used to help clients navigate through tight space, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The feedback can be used to help the driver ensure that they are centred in the space, and can give them confidence that they are able to navigate in enclosed spaces. Watch one of our clients use the Braze Sentina to navigate a narrow kitchen.
  • The three feedback zones of the Braze Sentina can be used to align the driver in a doorway, allowing them to back through while ensuring they are at an equal distance from both walls. 
  • These devices have also been used for accessing public transportation, such as navigating onto and off of busses and streetcars. Watch one of our clients navigate off of a bus using the Braze Sentina.
  • Getting on and off elevators is another activity of daily living made easier with the Braze Sentina.  If the client drives forwards onto an elevator, and does not have enough room to turn around, the visual or vibrational feedback can be used to determine when the doors are fully open, and then used to position the wheelchair in the doorways to back-out easily.
  • For people with decreased hearing, or who are easily startled by people coming up behind them, Braze blind spot sensor systems can be used to alert the person that someone is coming up behind them.
  • For people who often take public transportation or travel through densely populated areas and carry backpacks on the back of their seat, the sensor system can be used to make sure they know if someone is behind them to help them protect their belongings from theft.
  • For clients that have difficulty seeing their feet, Echo Head sensors can be placed under foot rests to alert them when they are getting too close to objects.

Click on the product image to learn more about Braze Mobility products.