Israeli Parliament Launches ‘Waze For The Blind’ Navigation

By Ariel Grossman, NoCamels June 08, 2023 2 minutes

RightHear's app, which is like "Waze for the blind", can now be used in Israel's parliament complex (Courtesy)

Israel’s Knesset (parliament) has launched a new audio guidance system to help the blind, visually impaired, and people with orientation difficulties navigate its premises.

The personalized audio guidance was developed by Israeli startup RightHear, developer of an app that provides talking signage and audio descriptions for indoor locations like hospitals, museums, universities, and grocery stores on a smartphone or tablet.

A screenshot of the RightHear app being used in the Knesset. It reads: “Entrance to the auditorium, Floor -1. Continue in this direction for about ten meters and turn right to the stairs going down where there is an additional access point.” (Courtesy)

The Knesset launched the system on Israel’s Blind Day (June 6) through an event it held in solidarity for the blind and visually impaired community. Hundreds of guests used the RightHear app as they navigated the legislature’s premises.

RightHear’s system is comprised of three components: a phone app, Bluetooth-powered beacons (sensors) that are pre-installed in indoor locations, and the management platform. The subscribers (the venue) can edit the information for each location, like if an office changed floors or if there’s an area under renovation.

Buildings and locations are pre-mapped and installed with RightHear sensors and the information is uploaded to the app which narrates the surroundings and navigates the user. The app tracks the movements of the user and issues real-time voice prompts and instructions warning of stairs ahead, for example, or if the sliding door in front of them is automatic.

Someone using the RightHear app in the Knesset (Courtesy)

“The Knesset will continue to work towards making the premises accessible to people with disabilities, and will enable all visitors to experience the best of visiting and democracy,” said Moshe Chico Edri, Director-General of the Knesset.

“On Blind Day, we are proud to showcase the technological initiatives that we implement in the Knesset, with an ongoing commitment to progress and innovation.”