The weWALK cane consists of an electronic handle with a regular ‘analog’ white cane that is inserted into the bottom.

The device uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect any obstacles above chest level and warns the user via a vibrating handle.

Users can also pair the cane with their smartphone with the ability to integrate it with a voice assistant and google maps.

It uses its built-in speakers to inform the user of nearby stores and infrastructural details that they may not be able to see.

Turkish designer Kursat Ceylan, who is also blind, invented the cane to use modern technology as a tool for the visually impaired.

Ceylan is the CEO and co-founder of young guru academy (YGA), the turkish non-profit behind the invention.

The technology used to create the weWALK cane is built around an open platform, which means that third-parties could add their own smartphone-based functions down the road.

Its developers hope to eventually pair it with ridesharing apps and transportation services to further improve its navigational abilities.

In these days we are talking about flying cars, but these people have been using just a plain stick,’ he explained to CNN. ‘as a blind person, when I am at the metro station I don’t know which is my exit… I don’t know which bus is approaching… which stores are around me. that kind of information can be provided with the weWALK.’

The weWALK smart cane runs on android and ios-based mobile phones.

It features a USB input that can be used to charge the battery with one full charge lasting up to five hours of usage time. the device is available for purchase on the weWalk website for $500 USD.