Honda has never been a stranger to outstanding technology, and the Japanese automaker has delivered in spades. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recently announced a new firm called Ashirase, Inc, a startup company that was born from Ignition, its new business creation program.

True to their form, Ashirase, Inc.'s first technologically advanced product is quite revolutionary, although it isn’t so much for cars like its parent company. It’s still related to traveling and movement, which still falls in line with Honda’s principles of connecting people through technology. 

Ashirase, Inc. is developing an in-shoe navigation system to support visually impaired individuals with walking. It is precisely pedestrians that Honda is now addressing with a very original GPS navigation system. While this navigation system can be used by everyone, allowing users to have their hands free and not be affected by the dangers associated with increased smartphone use in a city setting, it was essentially designed to help visually impaired people get around. 

Honda aims to begin sales of the system, which is also named Ashirase, by March 2023.

How it works is that the Ashirase uses a smartphone app and a 3D vibration device with a motion sensor that's attached inside the shoe. With the use of vibrations, the Ashirase will tell the user when to go straight, turn right, turn left, and stop. The route guidance is provided by Global Navigation Satellite System while the vibrators are aligned with the foot's nerve.

Honda said that the product should enable an intuitive understanding of the route so users don't have to be constantly mindful of directions for a safer and more relaxed walk. Vibration via the foot also allows freedom with the user's hands, which can be used for other functions such as holding a cane.

"An accident suffered by one of my family members motivated me to take action to realise safer and more free mobility for visually impaired people. I developed the Ashirase and applied to Ignition, Honda's new business creation program, which led to the establishment of Ashirase, Inc. I am sure that we will face many obstacles as we work toward the market launch of Ashirase; however, we will overcome such obstacles one by one and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to realize the freedom of mobility for visually impaired people," noted Wataru Chino, representative director of Ashirase Inc, in a press release.

Honda has cemented its reputation as not only an automaker, but also as a tech company that constantly develops new-age products to aid in various walks (pardon the pun) of life. All we can say is that it’s pretty cool tech from the Japanese automaker.

What do you think about this technology? Perhaps this is the first step that Honda is taking into developing even more relatable technology for everyone to enjoy. Let us know in the comments below!

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