These startups are making smarter canes for people with visual impairments

White cane for the 21st century. While many technology companies have increasingly worked to make technology more accessible to the blind and visually impaired, Beth has not benefited much from these advances.

Born in London WeWalk White cane takes a more traditional approach. Beyond the bulkier handle, the company’s product doesn’t visually distinguish itself from a standard folding cane.

The company currently offers two models: the $850 Smartcane 2 and the $1,150 Smartcane+ 2. The primary difference between the tiers is the latter’s inclusion of a voice-controlled assistant—a seemingly invaluable tool for a visually impaired person on the go. In addition to detecting ground-level obstacles, the system is capable of identifying potential obstacles overhead.

The system connects wirelessly to an iPhone/Android smartphone, allowing users to receive walking directions directly from the cane through an onboard speaker. The buttons on the handle can also be used to interface directly with the phone, bringing a lack of the tactile experience of a smartphone.

Parked next to the Washington State-based CES show floor Glidance Many new entrants to the scene. The startup describes its product Glide as an “autonomous, self-guided mobility aid,” or simply, a robot. Instead of a more standard form factor, the Glide features a handle attached to a wheeled base.

The $1,500 system ($1,799 with an annual subscription) is currently in soft launch mode following an initial pre-order. The system includes a pair of stereo-depth cameras and takes a more technologically sophisticated approach. In addition to obstacle avoidance, it will alert the user when they approach a door, elevator, stairs or curb and temporarily lock when they reach an intersection to avoid oncoming traffic.

The company says a shipping product is about a year out. Glidance has raised $1.5 million pre-seed and is currently in the process of closing a $5 million seed.