Ossenberg: Anti-freezing walking stick for people with Parkinson's

When a light beam helps make the next step easier

In brief: Ossenberg's anti-freezing walking stick

Assistive device for people with Parkinson's experiencing freezing episodes
Projects a laser line onto the ground as a visual movement cue
High-visibility laser designed for use even in bright daylight
Further development with additional laser colours is underway

A full transcript of the video can be found further down on this page.

Many people with Parkinson's experience sudden freezing episodes while walking. During these moments, movement can come to an abrupt stop, making it difficult to take the next step.

In this video, Björn Furche from Ossenberg explains how the company's anti-freezing walking stick is designed to help. The stick projects a visible laser line onto the ground, providing a visual cue that can encourage users to take the next step and continue walking.

The video also explains how the laser remains visible in bright daylight and why Ossenberg is developing additional laser colours for different lighting conditions and user needs. It offers an insight into how assistive technology can support mobility and independence in everyday life for people with Parkinson's.

Transcript of the video

Moderator: We are here at the company Ossenberg. Björn, could you please explain to us the phenomenon of freezing with Parkinson?

Björn Furche: The Parkinson patient falls into an effect called the freeze effect, in which he can't move, so he is unable to do any movements. And that's the freeze effect because it looks like he is freezed.

Moderator: And how does the anti freezing Parkinson's stick actually work to stop this effect?

Björn Furche: The Parkinson patient needs an impulse from the outside and with our stick, he is able to create this impulse by himself. It creates a red line on ground. So if the patient puts the line on the ground here to step over it after that, a new line is created, he will step over it. So step by step, he is walking forward and doesn't fall into this freeze effect.

Moderator: How does this light line stay effective even in conditions of strong sunshine?

Björn Furche: We really have a strong laser installed, and we are just searching for a blue or green laser so that even colorblind people can see it.

Moderator: Björn of Ossenberg, thank you for joining us today.

Björn Furche: Yeah, you're welcome.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Editor: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Originally published on: September 13, 2023
Last updated on: August 05, 2026