A device that provides tactile braille and graphics for blind users
Official title: Microfluidic technology for a full-page braille and graphical tactile display
Funded at Newhaptics Corp. · NIH-10590755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a new tablet-like device with a special touch screen that can show braille and pictures for blind people, making it easier for them to learn and access information in a fun and interactive way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Newhaptics Corp. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $823,561 |
| NIH project number | 5R44EY030385-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10590755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are blind or visually impaired individuals, particularly students and professionals who rely on braille and tactile graphics for education and work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not blind or visually impaired will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an innovative tablet-like device that features a multiline refreshable braille and tactile graphics display specifically designed for blind individuals. Utilizing advanced microfluidic technology, the device will allow thousands of tiny tactile pins to be raised and lowered interactively, enabling users to engage with braille and tactile graphics in a dynamic way. This technology will enhance educational opportunities by providing access to information that is currently limited to hardcopy formats, thereby promoting independence and success for blind students. The device is designed to be low-cost and highly manufacturable, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve educational access and quality of life for blind individuals by providing them with a versatile tool for reading and interacting with information.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown promise in developing tactile devices for blind users, indicating a potential for success with this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Newhaptics Corp.
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Russomanno, Alexander — Newhaptics Corp.
- Study coordinator: Russomanno, Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microfluidic Braille and tactile display for education
A new, portable braille and tactile graphics display uses microfluidic technology to give large-format, block-by-block touch feedback for diagrams and text to adults who are blind or have vision loss.
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Touch-in-Touch-Out tactile display for blind and visually impaired users
A new touchscreen-like device with thousands of raised tactile pins will let blind and visually impaired people directly manipulate on-screen items using drag, resize, and drawing actions.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.