People with vision impairments: The Dot Pad bridges the information gap

Mr. Takam, the newly launched Dot Pad is unprecedented within Braille technology. Could you explain how it works and what advantages it has over conventional tactile displays?

Mergel Takam: We created a microactuator using electromagnetism. This is different from the piezo-electric actuators (the current technology used in braille devices). The main difference is in size and weight – 20 times smaller and 10 times lighter which eventually led to our technology being 10 times cheaper than the existing technology. This is the core technology behind every device. The Dot Pad features 320 Dot cells. We have an in-house R&D center in Korea dedicated to develop and improve the Dot actuator. It took us nearly six years to build the technology necessary for the Dot Pad, and over 126 patents.

What role has Dot Inc. played in paving the way to a more accessible (online) world for people who are vision-impaired?

Mergel Takam: Simply put, it is an iPad for people who are blind. In a world of video content and images, the information gap for the blind and visually impaired is getting bigger and bigger. This is because the only technology that allows them to have real-time information in tactile is the one-line braille displays. 

The problem with the one-line braille display is that information can only be given linearly. Imagine having to do math horizontally. But not only that, there is a limitation in expressing images, shapes, and sizes with one line of braille display. But with a multi-layered braille display, we are able to display images, graphics, 2-dimensional figures, and more. It is our most ambitious innovation so far.  

What changes could you observe in the realm of Braille technology and the increasing inclusion that comes with it, and what is your vision for the future?

Mergel Takam: The Dot Pad will be a gamechanger for the market and the global impairment community. As a tool to increase accessible education and employment rates, it will be an essential tool in everyday life. Ultimately, the Dot Pad will be a central device thanks to its functionalities. Also, the goal of changing the education landscape, as well as ensuring higher employment rates will be achieved through providing a device/platform with specialized curriculum. That's why we have been working with Apple focusing on the iOS ecosystem, and we plan on expanding that integration to other environments. Hence, we firmly believe that the Dot Pad will consolidate our brand value and position us as the de facto solutions provider in the field of accessibility technologies.