In an announcement made via a recent post on the company website, bigwig automaker Toyota unveiled details about its Project BLAID initiative. The company has revealed that it has efforts underway to build innovative wearable technology for blind and visually impaired people, with the aim of improving their mobility and independence.

According to the details shared by Toyota, the innovative wearable device for blind and visually impaired people is being developed by the company's robotics unit under the Project BLAID initiative. The device will assist the visually impaired people by guiding them through indoor spaces, like shopping malls and office buildings.

The innovative wearable device is a "u" shaped device; resembling a small, non-plush neck travel pillow. The device can be worn around the shoulders by blind and visually impaired people.

The device is equipped with cameras which, as per Toyota's claims, are capable of recognizing doors, stairs, escalators, room exit signs, and bathroom signs. It also comes with on-board speakers and vibration motors, so that information about one's surroundings can be communicated to the user.

Noting that the device essentially fills in the everyday gaps which are experienced by blind and visually impaired people with the help of canes, dogs and GPS devices, Doug Moore -- Manager of partner robotics at Toyota -- said in a Monday blog post: "Toyota is more than just the great cars and trucks we build; we believe we have a role to play in addressing mobility challenges, including helping people with limited mobility do more," said