12x16 haptic display to provide graphical information to visually impaired users

Array of latching taxels (the mechanical analogue of a pixel) that pop and down to rapidly create patterns that are explored using one's sense of touch. Unlike a Braille display, this device provides dynamic graphical information, such as a map.
Applications include navigation (dynamic maps with zooming and panning), remote collaboration, learning, and serious gaming (eg touch-pong).
The device operates on an electromagnetic principle. Each taxel takes less than 10 milliseconds to switch states. The taxels latch in both states, thus requiring zero power consumption to hold any pattern.
This device was developed at the EPFL, in Neuchatel, Switzerland. The work was partially funded by the EC in the FP7 project BlindPad.
lmts.epfl.ch/haptics

[@roxasparks]

This would be absolutely amazing for blind people!! 🎉