Support Articles
Using WeWALK
WeWALK Audio Instruction Tutorials
How to Change WeWALK’s Shaft?
How To Discover What’s Around You With WeWALK?
How to List Nearby Stops and Bus Timetables?
How to Start Navigation Through WeWALK?
In order to start navigation through WeWALK cane, the first thing you need to do is opening the WeWALK application. You should apply the following steps; 1- Go to the Navigate part by pressing the navigate button on the landing page. 2- On the top of the screen, there is a search box. Simply, type the information that you have about the location (Postal code, address, etc.) 3- You will be presented with a list of destinations 4- There will be a “plus” icon in each element of the list. Click on the plus button to save that destination to “My places”. Make sure that you give that destination a name. 5- Make sure that your WeWALK is connected to the WeWALK application. 6- Simply, double-tap on the touchpad on your WeWALK Smart Cane to open the voice menu. You need to hear “My places” by swiping your thumb on the touchpad from left to right. 7- When you hear the sound “My places”, simply double tap on the touchpad. You will be directed into this menu. 8- You can search your favourite places by swiping your thumb on the touchpad from left to right or right to left. 9- When you find your destination, double tap on the touchpad. 10- You will hear a sound as “Go there” from WeWALK, simply double tap on the touchpad. 11- You will hear the possible navigation options to this destination such as walking, transport or going with Uber. Select the desired navigation option by double tapping on the touchpad. 12- After your double tap, navigation will start automatically.How To Use Obstacle Detection?
How To Use Voice Menu?
How To Use WeWALK With Gestures?
What Is In The Box?
Getting Started
WeWALK User Manual
Introduction
At WeWALK, our mission is to provide our visually impaired community with a tool to get them anywhere, safely, effectively, and independently. Congratulations on your purchase of WeWALK Smart Cane and we thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope that it proves to be a valuable aid to your mobility and will give you many years of trouble-free use. Please read this user guide carefully as it explains how to operate your WeWALK effectively. We also strongly recommend orientation and mobility training to achieve the safety and independence you need before using your WeWALK, You can reach the latest instructions to use your device from support.wewalk.io or write to us via [email protected].Features At A Glance
- DETECT OBSTACLES: WeWALK detects obstacles at head and chest level (such as low hanging tree branches and light poles) with its onboard ultrasonic sensor, warning you through vibrations.
- GET NAVIGATION: Get accessible and customizable turn-by-turn navigation.
- LEARN WHAT’S AROUND YOU: Quickly find, save, and navigate to new places around you
- ACCESS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION: Learn about nearby stops and timetables.
- VOICE COMMANDS WITH VOICE ASSISTANT (BETA): Use Voice Assistant with voice commands to control WeWALK app and smart cane’s features from your mobile device or smart cane. WeWALK’s capabilities are growing rapidly. You can always check our application and support.wewalk.io for new features!
WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX
- WeWALK’s smart handle
- Folding white cane (with an adaptor to attach the handle)
- USB Cable
- A quick start guide in braille
- User manual
- Wrist strap
Ultrasonic Sensor
Your WeWALK uses an ultrasonic system to detect obstacles. Do not press on the ultrasonic sensor positioned at the front of the handle or try to manipulate it in any way. Any damage to this sensor may cause the product to perform poorly.Tactile Buttons
When the WeWALK is switched on and obstacles are detected, the handle will vibrate. It is important that you do not press hard on the buttons as this will reduce the vibration intensity. You should experiment with positioning your hands to get maximum sensitivity. Wearing thick gloves is not recommended as this will also reduce the intensity of vibration feedback.Speaker and Microphone
WeWALK has a speaker and microphone for audio feedback and voice commands.Power Button
Use the power button to turn the WeWALK on or off.Touchpad
The touchpad works by sensing your finger movements and pressure. The touchpad is used to control the connected WeWALK smartphone app. Usage with gloves is not recommended as this may decrease the performance of the touchpad. More information on gestures can be found in a separate section. To see other supported gestures and their functionalities, check support.wewaIk.io or the tutorial tab on the WeWALK smartphone app.Front Led
The front LED is used to improve your visibility to others in the dark and can be enabled or disabled as required. Additionally, the LED can be used as a visual reference to show that WeWALK is powered on.Micro USB Input
The micro USB input is used to charge the battery of your WeWALK device.GETTING STARTED
- CHARGE YOUR DEVICE:
- ATTACH THE DEVICE TO THE CANE:
- DOWNLOAD THE WEWALK APP:
- LOW VISION SETTINGS:
- USE THE SERVICES THAT WEWALK OFFERS:
- SIGN UP IN THE APP:
- SWITCH ON WEWALK:
- CONNECT YOUR WEWALK SMART CANE TO YOUR SMARTPHONE
- BEGIN WITH THE “GESTURE TRAINING MODE”:
HOLDING AND USING THE WeWALK SMART CANE
WeWALK should be held and used using regular cane technique and is not a replacement for good cane technique. WeWALK should be held and used using regular cane technique and is not a replacement for good cane technique. WeWALK Smart Cane handle should be held in a modified ‘handshake’ hand position with the rear handle/cane grip section of the device near the palm of the hand, and the thumb resting on the tactile buttons on top of the device. The tactile buttons, touchpad, and ultrasonic sensor should face forward and always be on top facing upwards. The handle can be used in either the left or right hand and the index finger can be placed along the side of the smart cane handle. Some users may prefer to wrap all four fingers around the rear handle/cane grip section of the device while maintaining the position of the thumb on the tactile buttons located on top of the smart cane handle just below the touchpad.Walking With WeWALK
The traditional white cane is used by moving the cane from side to side in a tapping or sliding motion where the next footstep will fall. This ensures that obstacles can be detected in the user’s immediate vicinity by utilizing the tip of the cane to touch the obstacle. Additional obstacle detection is obtained via the ultrasonic sensors incorporated into the handle, thus giving more advanced warning to the user of obstacles in their path and between head and waist level. When using WeWALK, it is imperative to use traditional white cane skills especially for locating drops such as curbs and steps, or tactile paving. Before you start using WeWALK, experiment with the various obstacle detection range options to find out the limits and capabilities of the product. Choose the length of the white cane according to your height. WeWALK is designed to detect the obstacles between your head and waist level, so the obstacles in this range should be detected at a distance of at least 1 meter before hitting the obstacle. For example, a low-hanging sign is at a height of 170 cm and the user is 175 cm tall, so they might hit the obstacle. The green area indicates the detection area, at these distances the Smart Cane vibrates and warns the user about the obstacle. When your WeWALK gives you an obstacle warning during normal use, you can gently swipe your device to the left and right to detect exactly where the obstacle is located, how wide the obstacle is and where the obstacle stops blocking your path. When you move your WeWALK to the right and left, you can perceive the objects that are in front of you and you can confirm the accuracy of the obstacle detection signal. In the unlikely event that WeWALK‘s electronics fail while you are out, you will still be able to use it as a traditional white cane to reach your destination.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I fold and collapse my WeWALK Smart Cane like my regular cane?’
Yes. You can attach the supplied wrist strap and attach it to your WeWALK, which you can then use to wrap around the cane in folded position. As with regular cane technique, we do not recommend using WeWALK to walk with the wrist strap around your wrist. If the cane were to suddenly collide with on obstacle, this may exert excess force on your wrist.- Thread the thin loop of string through the wrist strap attachment hole.
- After the loop is fully threaded, open it and pass the strap handle through the loop. Pull the remainder of the strap handle upwards to secure the wrist strap to the unit.
- You can fold the cane and use the wrist strap of your WeWALK to bind them Be careful when folding/unfolding the cane because of the tension in the elastic cord.
Are there any obstacles/objects that WeWALK cannot detect?
It is not possible for WeWALK’s ultrasonic sensor to detect drops at ground level such as stairs, curbs, and holes. It is therefore important to maintain good traditional cane skills when using WeWALK to locate drops. WeWALK may not detect soft fabrics or small obstacles at the limit of the range setting. WeWALK works best with hard surfaces as these provide a stronger ultrasonic echo. WeWALK can detect objects at a distance of between 80 and 165 cm from the ultrasonic sensor.Is WeWALK suitable for use In rainy weather?’
Heavy or torrential rain will stop your WeWALK from working properly and should be avoided. Prolonged or repeated exposure to water or heavy rain must be prevented as it may cause permanent water damage to your WeWALK. If you are out with your WeWALK and are caught in heavy rain, you should immediately switch the cane off and cover it to protect it from heavy rain. You can continue to use the WeWALK as a traditional white cane to navigate during the rain, but the obstacle detection function will not be available while the device is covered. You can remove the cover, switch on your WeWALK, and continue on your journey as normal once the rain stops. If your cane does get wet, allow it to dry naturally in the open air at room temperature.Which smartphones do you support?
The WeWALK app runs on Android and iOS-based smartphones. Android based devices should have Android version 5.0 and above, iOS devices should have iOS version 10 and above. To learn more about the WeWALK app and its features, view the mobile application user guide at https://www.support.wewalk.io or check the training screen of the WeWALK app.Which languages are available?
WeWALK supports the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Italian, Romanian, German, Italian, and Portuguese. Other languages will be added in future updates. When a new language package is released, WeWALK will be updated over wireless connection via the mobile application.What do the WeWALK Smart Cane sound mean?
You can listen to all the WeWALK sounds and learn what they mean in the WeWALK app under the Tutorials tab.How can I manage WeWALK’s services through the cane? What is the voice menu?
The voice menu allows you to use many of WeWALK‘s functions such as starting navigation and changing obstacle detection distance without touching your phone. The voice menu can only be used when WeWALK is connected to your phone. To access it, simply double-tap WeWALK’s touchpad. You can then swipe left or right on the touchpad to access different settings. To enter or select a setting, double-tap the touchpad again. To go back or exit the voice menu, swipe the touchpad forward (swipe away from you and towards the ground}.How can I start navigation through the smart cane?
You can easily get navigation to previously saved locations via the voice menu. Double-tap on WeWALK’s touchpad to open the voice menu then double-tap on ‘Navigation’. The following items are located under the navigation menu: My Places: Clicking on this will list the previously saved locations. Clicking on one of the listed locations starts navigation to that location. Where am I* Announces your current location. Save location: Instantly saves the current location. Software features are continually being updated and improved. Please check support.wewolk.io for more information on how to use the WeWALK smartphone app.How do I clean and maintain my WeWALK?
Do not leave your smart cane in extremely low or high temperatures as this reduces the Iifespan of its electronic components. Handle your smart cane with care and do not throw it around or shake It aggressively, otherwise, internal circuit boards may be damaged. Turn the device off before cleaning and use a damp and anti-static cloth. Do not use chemical agents such as detergents. Do not attempt to modify or disassemble your product. If the internal seal is damaged or wet, the manufacturer’s quality assurance may not be warranted by the after-sales service provider even if your product is still under the warranty period.What should I do if my while cane shaft is worn out or broken?
You can replace the damaged cane with any white cane that is compatible with our adaptors. More information can be found on our website (https://www.wewaIk.io}. To replace the cane and attached adapter:- Unscrew and remove the WeWALK device from the old shaft
- Untie the knot in the elastic cord holding the adaptor to the old shaft
- On the new cane, untie the knot in the elastic chord and remove the cane’s existing rubber handle. Replace this with the adapter by passing both ends of the elastic cord through the adapter and tying a knot to secure it. You can cut the rest of the cord off if necessary but do leave some cord past the knot to allow for ease of untying in the future.
- Attach WeWALK to the new cane with the adapter.
SAFETY INFORMATION
General Safety
- The product must be charged with a 5V-1A adapter having IEC/EN 6O95O-1
- The instructions and warnings that the product bears on the labels attached to the product and packaging must be strictly followed
- Do not expose the product to liquids. If liquids leak into the product it may cause a malfunction in the product or produce an electric shock. In this occurs, turn the device off immediately and consult the authorized service center for inspection and/or repair.
- Keep the product away from excessive heat
- In order to prevent the risk of electric shock disconnect the product from the power source in extreme weather (storms, lightning, ).
- Do not drop the product or place any other objects on the cane.
- To avoid danger, keep plastic bags out of the reach of infants and pets.
Operational Safety
- This product must not replace good orientation and mobility skills. This product only notifies you about the obstacles between the head and waist level of your body. Please do not use the product apart for its intended use.
- Before using WeWALK, the user should receive training on the limits/capabilities of the white cane.
- WeWALK must be used with a white cane with the proper alignment of the length according to the height of the user. The length of the cane should be at least the same as chest level or higher.
- Take care when unpacking as the folded sections of the white cane are held together under tension by on elastic bungee in a similar manner to a traditional white cane, and they will snap together when unfolded.
- In order to avoid malfunctions, use only recommended accessories.
- A round shaped and mesh covered ultrasonic sensor is posted at the front of the cane. Do not press on it or try to manipulate it in any way. Any damage to the sensor may cause the product to perform poorly.
- Do not use the product in humid or rainy weather conditions which could deteriorate the performance of the ultrasonic sensor and might cause malfunction.
- Some obstacles may not reflect ultrasonic waves and therefore may not be detected by WeWALK. The object must have a strong ultrasonic echo back to the sensor to be detected. Large targets such as a liquid surface in a tank are detected at the maximum range. Curved objects or sound absorbing materials such as fabrics reflect less energy directly back to the sensor. Granular materials may absorb sound energy from the sensor due to surface variation and/or angle.
- Optimum operating temperatures ore between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius.
- Ultrasonic functionality should be regularly tested to ensure correct functionality.
- Use this product at an altitude of less than 2000 meters above sea level.
Battery Safety
The device has an embedded, non-user-replaceable battery. If your device no longer works properly, refer to an authorized service provider for battery replacement or contact technical support. Do not leave the device charging for extended periods of time.Maintenance
Do not attempt to repair or modify the device yourself or attempt any servicing unless it is in any instructional document prepared by the technical division of the manufacturer. The repair and servicing must be carried out by technical personnel only. Otherwise, your warranty may become void and you may risk your health or your product. When one or more of the below-listed circumstances occur, do not continue to operate the device, turn it off and refer to the nearest authorized service provider:- If the product is dropped or its case is damaged.
- If the performance of the product has changed or needs to be repaired.
- If the product does not operate properly as described in the operating instructions.
- If a liquid was spilled on the product or when objects have fallen into the product.
- If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
- If an expected mechanical noise is coming from the product.
Foreseeable Misuse
Usage except ”intended use’ can be unsafe. The following improper usage can inhibit the performance and safe operation of WeWALK:- Untrained usage
- Using without a white cane
- Misalignment of the length of the white cane
- Charging with an adapter of output greater than 5V 1A and/or no IEC/EN 60950-1 approval
- Using under heavy rain
- Using while running
- Holding WeWALK in the wrong position
Points To Be Considered During Transport
Do not drop the device during transport and protect it against impact. Damages and faults that occur during transport after the delivery of the device to the customer are not included in the warranty coverage.Liability Limitation
The manufacturing company does not assume any responsibility for damages and injuries that may occur due to not observing the instructions in this user manual, using the device outside its intended use, unauthorized repairs, unauthorized modifications on the device, and using spare parts not approved by the manufacturer.Intended Use
The WeWALK Smart Cane helps visually impaired people walk more confidently for non-commercial use. This product includes a white cane and a smart handle that communicates with the companion smartphone application. It can direct the user via an array of sensor systems such as vibration motors and ultrasonic sensors. This product is equipped with commercially available components. It is designed to provide comfort and ease of use which creates a preferable advantage compared to the legacy white cane design. In case there is a problem with the device, the user has the option to use the WeWALK Smart Cane as a legacy white cane. Thus, the design still has a regular legacy white cane functionality. The device contains navigation functionality not only with its built-in compass but also with its special interactive navigation software for visually impaired people on mobile devices that wirelessly connect with the WeWALK Smart Cane. Compass calibration should be done prior to using the navigation functionality. The software structure is constructed in the manner of an open platform that promotes continuous software development. Therefore, it is designed as a wearable product which is an add-on of mobile phones for visually impaired people.Wireless LAN Transmitter Specifications
| Frequency Ranges | Max Output Power |
| 2.4OO GHz – 2.4835 GHz | 7.1 dBm |
Country Restrictions
This device is intended for home and uses in all EU countries (and other countries following the relevant EU directive) without any limitation except for the countries mentioned below. The requirements for any country may change at any time. It’s recommended that user checks with local authorities for the current status of their national regulations for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless LAN’s.Troubleshooting
When you detect an abnormal condition on your device, you may try to resolve the issue as per the descriptions specified.| TROUBLE | POSSIBLE CAUSES | SOLUTION |
| Does not open | The battery may be exhausted | Charge the product. |
| The button may not have been pressed long enough | Press long to the button i.e. more than 3 seconds. | |
| Does not connect to the smart phone | May not be in pairing mode | The product stays in pairing mode for 12O seconds when first turned on. A connection is required within the specified time. |
| The phone ID may not be visible | Select your phone’s visibility from the setting menu. | |
| Cannot detect obstacle | Ultrasonic feature may be off | See the Ultrasonic Activation / Deactivation section in the Touch Panel title in the manual. |
| It may not be in the right grip | Look at the title of Holding Your WeWALK in the manual. | |
| Some surface types may be unstable | See the FAQ in the manual. | |
| It’s not charging | The adapter may not have a plug installed | Make sure the plug is plugged into a power source. |
| There may not be electricity at the plug | Make sure there is electricity at the plug. | |
| The device does not respond to any commands | The device’s software may be locked. | Switch off and on again with the On / Off button. |
Product Specifications
Hardware Specifications
| Flash Memory | 16Mbit |
| Ultrasonic Sensor | 16mm open enclosure, 4OkHz, directivity 55° |
| Touchpad | Multi-touch custom module |
| Vibration Motors | Left and Right vibrating buttons |
| Battery | 1OOOmAh Li-ion with on package protection circuit |
| Battery Charger | Battery Charger |
| Speaker | Class D power amplifier + 0.5W smartphone speaker |
| Microphone | MEMS digital microphone |
| Gyro, Compass | 3Axis Gyro 3Axis Accelerometer 3 Axis Magnetic Compass |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Power input | USB Micro-B plug SVDC O.5A (max.) |
| Power supply | Input 100-24OVAC 50/6OHz O.2A, output SVDC 1A (max) USB Type A |
| Industrial protection | IP2O (no protection against ingress of water) |
| Altitude | max. 2OOOm |
| Weight | 280 gr (without power supply) |
| Dimensions {Width x Length x Height} | 25 mm x 289 mm x 44 mm |
| Obstacle detection distance | 8Ocm – 17Ocm |
| Resolution | 5 cm |
| Ambient temperature range | -1OoC to +4OoC |
| Relative humidity range | %30 to %75 |
| Atmospheric pressure range | 70 kPa to 106 kPa |
| Ambient temperature range | -4OoC to +7OoC |
| Relative humidity range | %10 to %100 |
| Atmospheric pressure range | 5O kPa to 1O6 kPa |
INPUTS/OUTPUTS
1 x Micro USB Platform software updates can be carried out wireless via mobile application. Mobile application updates can be carried out over Google Play Store and Apple Store. Operating conditions via power adopter connected to the mains thot supplies 11O-24OVAC 5O/6OHz.| State | Value |
| Standby | 25mA |
| Max | 5V, 5OOmA |
The WeWALK Onboarding Program
At WeWALK, we understand that learning new technology can sometimes be pretty difficult. So, we’ve designed the WeWALK Onboarding Program to help speed up the adaptation process for your new smart cane. So what exactly does the onboarding program offer you?- Order tracking: We will make sure that you’re kept updated from the time that your new smart cane is shipped, to the time that it’s delivered to your doorstep. Need help tracking your package, we’re here to help!
- Get prepped: We will be getting in touch as soon as your order ships and sharing information that will help you get a head start with onboarding. This will allow you to start getting familiarized with your WeWALK smart cane before it even arrives.
- Continuous care from the WeWALK Team: We want to make sure you know everything you need and want to know about your new smart cane so that you can start enjoying your independent journey. Our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your smart cane adaptation is frustration free. WeWALK smart cane owners can request a free 1:1 training session with our WeWALK specialists by clicking the link here or by sending an email to [email protected].
Subscribing to WeWALK – Frequently Asked Questions
When will the WeWALK app require a subscription? On Monday, August 23rd, the WeWALK app will be switching to a paid subscription model which will give users unlimited access to all of its existing and upcoming new features. WeWALK app users can select between a monthly or annual premium subscription. We will be offering a limited-time discount from through September 23rd where subscribers can receive a special discount off the normal subscription price. Why is WeWALK switching to a subscription model? We are continuously improving the WeWALK app to provide you with a better and more accessible user experience. Our app offers a wealth of features for blind and low vision users including turn-by-turn navigation, public transport information, and an exploration mode that allows you to discover popular places around you. This subscription model is required to meet growing demand and the technical and maintenance costs for our app. We remain dedicated to providing an exceptional user experience by improving our existing features while continuously developing fresh new features for our community. If I own a WeWALK smart cane, do I also need to purchase a WeWALK subscription? WeWALK smart cane owners will not require a subscription purchase and will continue to benefit from the WeWALK app at no additional cost. When you connect your WeWALK smart cane to the WeWALK app, you will automatically be upgraded to a premium membership so that you can enjoy our app and its features subscription-free! How do I subscribe to the WeWALK app? To start your subscription to the WeWALK application, download the latest version of the WeWALK app and open the application. Login to the app using your WeWALK account or Google, Facebook, or Apple login. If you do not have an account you will need to create one. After you login, you will be asked to subscribe to WeWALK app when you try to access any of WeWALK’s features such as Navigate, Explore, or Transport. To start your subscription:- Open the WeWALK app
- Select between the monthly or annual subscription plan
- Complete your subscription by processing the payment with with Apple or Google pay.
- Open the WeWALK app and login to your account
- Go to the Home tab and pair your WeWALK smart cane with the WeWALK app by tapping the Connect WeWALK button
- After you pair your cane, your subscription will automatically be upgraded to premium. You can confirm this by tapping on the Profile tab in the WeWALK app
- Click here for details on how to cancel from the Apple App (iOS) Store: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039
- Click here for details on how to cancel from Google Play (Android) Store: https://support.google.com/pay/answer/7644008?hl=en
How can I calibrate the compass on my iPhone?
If you own an iPhone, you may receive a popup message when opening the WeWALK app advising you that you need to “calibrate your compass.” We highly recommend that you enable this option on your iPhone to receive the most accurate navigation experience. Please enable the compass calibration on your iPhone by following the steps below:- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Select the Privacy option
- Tap the Location Services option
- Scroll and tap the System Services option
- Find the Compass Calibration switch. If your compass calibration switch is disabled, please enable the compass calibration switch by tapping the switch next to compass calibration and switching it from off to on.
Changing WeWALK’s default language
You can change the default language for WeWALk app:- Open WeWALK app and select the Preferences tab.
- Tap the “Select Language” button and select the language that you would like to use.
- Tap the OK button and the app will close. Reopen WeWALK app and the app will now be set to your selected language.
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Arabic
- Turkish
- Romanian
- Russian
Prepare your WeWALK Smart Cane
Before using WeWALK for the first time:- We advise that you charge the WeWALK device for about 2 hours to ensure that you get started with a fully charged device.
- Download WeWALK App by tapping on the following link from a smartphone: (https://wewalk.io/en/app/).
- Attach the Ambutech white cane to the WeWALK smart handle by using the metal screw adapter supplied with your WeWALK.
- Customize your visual settings.
- Give permission to provide our services.
- Create a WeWALK account.
- Connect your WeWALK Smart Cane and WeWALK App.
- Go to the Tutorials tab in WeWALK app and review Gesture Training and WeWALK 101 audio tutorials.
Download WeWALK App
To get started, download the WeWALK app from your phone’s app store. Please note that the app is not suited for tablet devices such as iPads. You can also download it by tapping on the following link from your phone and selecting the iOS or Android download: https://www.wewalk.io/app When launching the WeWALK app for the first time, you will be asked to grant permission for notifications, which will appear as a dialog box. We recommend enabling notifications as these will tell you about new app features.Changing metric systems
You can change metric system to match your region:- Open WeWALK app
- Select the Preferences tab
- Select the “Choose Distance Unit” button and choose your preference
Using WeWALK voice menu gestures
You can use WeWALK smart cane’s touchpad to activate the voice menu, which allows you to control app features while your phone is in your pocket. WeWALK app must be open and connected to WeWALK smart cane to use the voice menu. Gestures on WeWALK are best performed when the cane is held normally, with the touchpad and ultrasonic sensor facing upwards and slightly forward.- Single finger double-tap: Opens the voice menu/ Opens menu items in the voice menu.
- Single finger swipe from left to right: Announces the next item in the voice menu.
- Single finger swipe from right to left: Announces the previous item in the voice menu
- Single finger double-tap and hold: Activates the horn or microphone for Voice Assistant. The feature that this gesture will trigger can be set in the ‘Preferences’ tab in WeWALK app. If the horn is disabled, the gesture will activate the Voice Assistant.
- Two-finger swipe away from the ground, backward (towards yourself) with two fingers: Turns the obstacle detection feature on or off.
- Pinch out and in from the touchpad with two fingers: Turns WeWALK’s LED light on/off.
- One finger swipe from top to bottom (towards the ground, away from you) : Close the current voice menu and go to the previous menu (closes the voice menu)
- One finger swipe from bottom to top (towards yourself): It is the gesture for navigation feature. When this gesture is applied, you will hear “restart navigation” and if you apply the same gesture again you will hear “end navigation”.
Connecting the app and smart cane
The ‘Connect WeWALK’ button is used to pair WeWALK smart cane with WeWALK app. If the cane is connected, the connection and battery status can be found on the home screen of WeWALK app. The battery status of WeWALK is displayed in four levels: 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%. You can disconnect WeWALK from your phone by tapping the ‘Disconnect WeWALK’ button on the home screen of the app.Customizing the app for low vision users
If you are a low vision user, you can modify visual settings to improve the app’s accessibility:- In WeWALK app, tap the Preferences tab.
- Select the Visual Preferences button.
- The default theme uses black text on a white background, but it can be changed to white text on a black background or yellow text on a black background. You can also customize the text size according to your needs.
- After you’ve customized it, tap the “Apply” button to save your changes.
Obstacle Detection
Customizing obstacle detection settings through the smart cane
You modify WeWALK’s obstacle detection feature with this setting. WeWALK detects front-facing obstacles, above chest level when obstacle detection is enabled.- The obstacle detection distances are min, low, mid, and max and can be set between 80 Centimetres to 165 Centimetres.
- We recommend setting obstacle detection to max setting when using your cane outdoors to ensure maximum detection. To set the optimum obstacle detection distance, we recommend you stand in front of a flat wall to test each setting and find the one that suits you best.
- Open the voice menu by doing a single finger double-tap on the smart cane’s touchpad
- Swipe left to right with one finger to swipe through the voice menu settings until you hear Preferences
- Swipe left to right until you hear obstacle detection and double-tap to select it. Swipe left to right again until you’ve selected the obstacle detection setting that you would like. Double-tap again to apply the change.
Turning obstacle detection on/off
You can use WeWALK app or the smart cane’s touchpad to turn obstacle detection on or off. Using the app:- Open WeWALK app and ensure your cane is paired with the app.
- Tap the Preferences tab
- Toggle the obstacle detection switch on/off
Customizing obstacle detection settings through the app
You modify WeWALK’s obstacle detection feature with this setting. WeWALK detects front-facing obstacles, above chest level when obstacle detection is enabled.
The obstacle detection distances are min, low, mid, and max and can be set between 80 Centimetres to 165 Centimetres.
We recommend setting obstacle detection to max setting when using your cane outdoors to ensure maximum detection. To set the optimum obstacle detection distance, we recommend you stand in front of a flat wall to test each setting and find the one that suits you best.
To change obstacle detection settings:
- Make sure your smart cane is paired with WeWALK app. Tap the Preferences tab in WeWALK app.
- Tap the “Obstacle Detection” option and select the setting you would like to use.
Why is my obstacle detection not working?
If your obstacle detection feature is not working effectively on your WeWALK smart cane, please try the following:- Check the obstacle detection distance setting on your device. You can increase or decrease the obstacle detection levels by going to the Preferences menu when your smart cane is paired with your phone.
- The sensor must be facing forward. Make sure your hand is not blocking the ultrasonic sensor.
- The obstacle detection sensor may be dirty. Please try wiping it with a damp cloth.
Navigate
What’s the difference between WeWALK’s navigation and other app’s navigation?
- WeWALK navigation is more accessible than other apps. For example, we provide a low vision map to allow low vision users to be able to view the route that our mapping system has traced.
- You can get turn-by-turn navigation and clockwise navigation at the same time.
- WeWALk navigation can be controlled with the smart cane while your phone is in your pocket thanks to WeWALK smart cane’s built-in compass.
- We provide multimodal navigation that allows users to be able to use a combination of walking and public transport to get to their destination.
- Our navigation has a public transit stop tracking feature that allows users who board a mode of transit to be able to receive audio and text notifications so that they know when it’s time to get off their stop.
How to use the Navigate feature to get directions to a destination from the app
You can use the Navigate feature to get step by step directions to get to your destination. To use navigate:- Open WeWALK app and tap the Navigate button on the Home screen.
- In the search field, type the name of the destination that you would like to navigate to.
- The search results will start populating the names of the locations that match your search. You can save one of these locations by tapping the ‘plus’ icon next to any of the locations that appear in your search.
- Tap the destination that you would like to navigate to.
- You’ll be provided navigation steps on the screen.
- The screen reader tells the current step and other useful information such as the total distance to the destination, a percent completion counter to help you monitor how far along you are in your navigation, and other helpful details.
- After you complete a step in your navigation, it will move to the next step.
- If you want to finish the navigation, you can click the “End Navigation” button. You can also refresh the navigation steps by tapping the “Refresh Navigation” button to refresh your route.
Starting the navigation through the cane (Using Voice Menu)
You can easily get navigation to previously saved locations via the voice menu. Double-tap on WeWALK’s touchpad to open the voice menu then double-tap on ‘navigation’. The following items are located under the navigation menu:- Start: Clicking on this will list the previously saved locations. Clicking on one of the listed locations starts navigation to that location.
- Where am I? Announces your current location.
- Save location: Instantly saves the current location.
Deleting / Editing a saved location
You can edit a saved location.- Open your app
- Tap to the navigation button.
- You see the saved location on the screen.
- If you are using Voice over, you can edit or delete the location with the actions rotor.
- If you are not using voice over, you can edit or delete the location by swiping left.
- If you are using android, you can use the buttons next to the locations.
Saving Locations
WeWALK app allows you to save locations for easy access later on. You can save locations in various sections of WeWALK app. You will need to create a WeWALK account in order to save locations. Anytime you save a location in WeWALK app, they will be found under the My Places section in WeWALK app. To Save a Location from the Home Screen:- On the Home screen, tap the Save Location button
- You will have a chance to Edit the location prior to saving
- Tap the Save Location button on the screen to save the location
- Tap the Navigate option on the Home screen in WeWALK app
- Search for a location that you want to save
- Tap the plus (+) icon (Save Location button) next to the location you are searching for
- You can edit the location name prior to saving. Then press the Save Location button
- Tap the Explore feature on the Home screen in WeWALK app
- Find the point of interest that you want to save and select it
- Tap the Save Location button on the screen to save it to your My Places
- Tap the Transport feature on the Home screen in WeWALK app
- Find the Transport stop that you want to save and select it
- Tap the Save Location button on the screen to save it to your My Places
Transport
Listing bus stops through the app
- You can see nearby bus stops and learn oncoming buses.
- Open your app.
- Tap the Nearby Stops button.
- You can see the list of nearby stops.
Listing bus stops through the cane
You can learn bus schedules through the cane.- Double-tap to WeWALK’s touchpad and the open voice menu.
- Swipe right and you find “Nearby Stops” and click this.
- Find your current stop and double-tap.
- If you are at that stop, you should click “I’m here”, if you want to get navigation to the stop, click the “Go There”.
- You can learn the buses by swiping left / right on the I am here screen.
Learning bus schedules through the app
- Open your app.
- Tap the Nearby Stops button.
- You can see the list of nearby stops.
- To learn oncoming buses select your stop.
- You learn oncoming buses, for example, 5-A in 3 minutes. (You can refresh the bus data by tap refresh button.)
How to use the Transport feature for public transportation
You can learn public transportation schedules using the Transport feature in WeWALK app or through the smart cane. This feature is available in most major cities, but if you are not able to use this feature in your city, please send us an email at [email protected] and we would be happy to find out how to get your city added. To access from the app:- Tap the Transport button on the Home screen of WeWALK app
- A list of public transportation options near you will be listed by distance. Their clock direction will also be listed in this screen. Select one of the public transport options from the list.
- Tap a public transport option from the list to get more details. From this screen, you can tap the “Transport Lines” icon to get arrival times, get turn by turn directions to the public transport stop, save the stop to your My Places, and more.
Which cities are available for We WALK public transportation service and how can I create a request?
WeWALK partnered with Moovit, one of the world’s best mobility apps for public transport service, to provide you with access to transport lines and information on when your bus will arrive. You can find the list of cities where the public transport service is active here. If the public transport information is not up to date, you can join the Moovit community from this link. After joining the community, you can contribute to your city by adding stops, correcting routes and times. We continue to work to enable you to use our public transportation service all over the world. If our service is not active in your city, you can send us your request via [email protected] e-mail address.Timetables don’t refresh
We don’t have an automatic refresh feature yet. But it’s on our roadmap! Until that time, you can use the refresh button at the top-right corner of the bus screen. If you think there is a different problem, contact us: [email protected]How can I add my city for public transportation?
We’ve been working on expanding our service around the globe. If our public transportation service isn’t active in your area please fill the form to let us know.Explore
How to use Explore to find popular places around you
The Explore feature allows you to find popular places/ points of interest around you.- Open your WeWALK App.
- Tap the “Explore” button on the Home screen
- Popular places are sorted by category. For example, Restaurants and Cafes, Arts & Entertainment, etc. Select a category.
- You will be able to review a list of popular places for the category that you’ve selected. The places will be sorted by distance and their clock direction will also be listed.
- You can select a point of interest from the list to get more details. You will be able to navigate to it, take an Uber, save the point of interest, and more.
How can I list places around me through the smart cane?
You can discover places around you through WeWALK Smart Cane.- If you are not connected to WeWALK App and mobile phone, you must pair the phone and the smart cane.
- Double tab to the WeWALK’s touchpad.
- You can navigate swipe from left to right.
- Click the “What’s Around Me” in the voice menu.
- You’ll see categories. (Food, shop ETC…)
- Choose a category and list places.
Voice Assistant (Beta)
Which languages are available for the Voice Assistant feature?
Currently, the voice assistant is supported only by English. We are developing voice assistants to supports more languages for the future.How can I activate Voice Assistant?
Voice Assistant (Beta) is similar to Siri or Google Voice in that it allows you to control certain actions on your WeWALK by asking her commands. For example, you can ask Voice Assistant to open the “Explore” screen by activating Voice Assistant and saying “Tell me what’s around me.” To activate Voice Assistant from your phone:- Select the Voice Assistant button on the bottom of the menu options screen.
- Double tap the Voice Assistant button. Your microphone will be activated and you will hear a sound to let you know that she’s listening.
- Say a command to the Voice Assistant. Wait a few seconds after you say your command and you’ll hear another audio alert to let you know that she has stopped listening.
- Wait a few seconds and voice assistant will process your command. To view a list of commands you can try with Voice Assistant, see the WeWALK support article titled “What Skills Does the Voice Assistant Have?”
- Make sure the WeWALK horn is disabled by going to the Preferences menu. To do this, pair your smart cane with the WeWALK app and to go the Preferences menu in the app. Select the horn option and disable it.
- After you’ve disabled the horn you can use the gesture to activate voice assistant from your cane. On your WeWALK smart cane, double-tap the touchpad, but make sure to hold your finger down on the touchpad after the second tap.
- Your microphone will be activated and you will hear a sound to let you know that she’s listening
- Say a command to the Voice Assistant. Wait a few seconds after you say your command and you’ll hear another audio alert to let you know that she has stopped listening.
- Wait a few seconds and voice assistant will process your command. To view a list of commands you can try with Voice Assistant, see the WeWALK support article titled “What Skills Does the Voice Assistant Have?”
What skills does the Voice Assistant have?
You can try saying the different commands below to WeWALK’s Voice Assistant. We plan on adding additional commands in the future. – Where am I? – What time is it? – Connect my device – Tell me nearby stops – Save my location – What’s around me? – Where is my device? – Battery Level – How are you? – Take me to Starbucks – Turn on LEDWeWALK’s White Cane
Can I order a Smart Cane in different sizes?
The length of our default white cane is 54 inches, (approximately 137 centimetres). However, we also offer two additional cane sizes on our website:- 51 inch (approximately 129 centimetres)
- 59 inch (approximately 149 centimetres)
What should I do if my cane is broken or get old?
If your Ambutech is damaged or if you need to purchase a new one, please contact us at [email protected] and we can assist with purchasing replacement canes. You may also purchase a replacement cane from Ambutech’s website. Please note that the adapter screw must be compatible with the replacement shaft that you purchase. See the example on the link.How can you use WeWALK Smart Cane with different tips?
You can use WeWALK with any hook on cane tips and customize your cane. You can check which cane tips are suitable and order directly through Ambutech from this link.Account Help
How to Create a WeWALK Profile
A WeWALK profile is required in order to save locations in WeWALK app. You can create a WeWALK profile in WeWALK app by opening the Profile tab. You have 4 options to create a new account:- Create Account – Allows you to create a new account directly in WeWALK App
- Sign in with Google – Allows you to use your existing Google account to sign into WeWALK
- Sign in with Facebook – Allows you to use your existing Facebook account to sign into WeWALK
- Sign in with Apple – Allows you to use your existing Apple account to sign into WeWALK (Note: only available for iPhones running iOS 13 or higher)
How to Reset Your WeWALK Profile Password
If you have a WeWALK profile but cannot remember your password, you can reset your password in the WeWALK app by doing the following:- Open WeWALK app
- Select the Profile tab
- Tap the Log in button
- Enter the email address associated with your WeWALK account and tap Next
- Select the Forgot My Password button
- You will receive an email at the email address associated with your WeWALK profile. If you do not find it, please check your junk or spam folder.
- Open the password reset email from a phone that has WeWALK app installed. Follow the instructions in the email to reset your WeWALK profile password.
White Cane Usage Tips
Getting on the traffic with a White Cane
When the pendulum cane technique is used comfortably, it will be much more comfortable to go to the traffic. However, it is recommended to go out with a guide at the beginning, preferring places with low traffic flow. White cane Stance while Crossing in Traffic:- Stand on the sidewalk as if crossing the road.
- The cane is held down the curb, diagonally or vertically, with the tip touching the curb. If it is to be held upright, the hand is turned upside down with the thumb down. The cane is held upright, with the tip below the curb but touching the curb.
- Sounds from both sides are heard. If there is no sound from the vehicles or if it comes from far away, it is ready to pass.
- Before descending from the pavement to the road, the cane is extended towards the road in pendulum grip. Landing directly on the road can be dangerous, so it’s a good idea to move the cane first.
- When crossing, one should not move fast enough to trip and fall, nor should one move slowly enough to allow time for the approaching vehicle from afar. Transitions must be serial.
- While crossing, the walking stick is passed using the pendulum technique.
- Transitions should be straight across. Because crossovers cause the road to lengthen. The goal should be to find the opposite edge from the shortest path.
Cross Cane Technique
Cane techniques are initially divided into two according to their usage, usage and holding styles: One of them is using a cross cane and the other is using a pendulumcane. The technique of using cross canes; It is used in narrow places, turnstiles, door entrances and exits, wall follow-ups, stair landings and exits. While holding the cane;- The index finger is palmed up to the top of the cane.
- The arm should be stretched forward.
- The arm holding the cane should never be opened to the sides, raised or lowered.
- The hand should be at waist level and facing forward.
- The wrist should not be bent forward-backward or sideways, but should be kept straight.
- The tip of the cane is not lifted from the ground.
- Go forward by rubbing the tip of the cane on the ground.
- In the meantime, the walking stick and arm are not moved.
Climbing Stairs with a Cane
- The wall side of the ladder can be climbed, which is important for the person to find his/her direction easily.
- The person extends his cane two steps forward by bringing his feet closer to the first step.
- The arm should be forward and stretched, ie the elbow is not bent.
- The thumb of the hand holding the cane is kept pointing down and acting as a spring.
- The tip of the cane is lifted slightly so that it touches the step.
- The arm does not swing when exiting.
- Wall tracking should be done with the hand that does not hold a cane.
- As the steps go up, the tip of the cane is attached to the next step.
- Since the tip of the cane will not be caught when reaching the last step, the visually impaired will understand that he has reached the last step and will take his step carefully.
- The walking stick is crossed between the stairs and the other steps are followed by following the wall.
- If you want to go to the next floor, go to the direction of the stairs on the diagonal, without following the wall.
- The cane is held forward while descending the stairs.
- The arm holding the cane is extended forward without bending the elbow.
- The index finger is on the top of the cane.
- The tip of the cane is held two steps ahead and slightly lifted as if it touches the step.
- It is descended in this way.
- When the last step is reached, the tip of the cane will rub on the ground.
- This is how the person realizes that he has come to the last step and immediately takes his cane across so that the oncoming people do not trip over their feet.
Wall Tracking with the Cross Cane Technique
- You can go by rubbing against the wall, that is, by sliding, without lifting the tip of the cane from the ground.
- Thanks to wall tracking, it can detect a door or turns.
- Facilitates wayfinding.
- When the visually impaired individual encounters an obstacle, he follows the obstacle with the tip of his stick, just like following a wall, and goes around the obstacle.
- If the tip of the cane gets caught in someone else’s cane or foot, he saves the cane by holding it upright in front of him and continues on his way on the crossed cane.
Pendulum Cane Technique
Imagine that the pendulum of a wall clock swings equally in both directions. The equivalent of this in white cane is “Pendulum cane Technique”. Pendulum cane technique outside the building; It is a technique we use when recognizing obstacles on the road, on the pavement, and overcoming an obstacle. How should the correct cane be held in the pendulum walking stick technique?- First, the cane is held in a crossed position.
- Then the hand is turned so that the index finger is on the side of the cane to bring the cane into the pendulum grip.
- The elbow of the arm holding the cane is attached to the abdomen. The hand should be at the level of the navel and in the middle of the body.
- The cane is swayed by rubbing it on the ground and its shoulder is one span from each side.
- Only the wrist is moved left and right. Absolutely the elbow does not move and the arm does not swing.
- When the visually impaired put his right foot forward, the tip of the cane should go to the left, and when he puts his left foot forward, the tip of the cane should go to the right.
How Can I Pick the Right Cane Size?
The right cane length may vary depending on factors such as your environment, level of independence, and walking speed.
If you are a fast walker on outdoors and fond of your independence, it would be good to choose a cane length at chin level (between your shoulder and nose level) or at nose level. But if you live in a crowded and fast city, choosing a long cane can be dangerous for you.
If you live in a crowded city, it would be better to choose a cane length at the sternum (4 fingers above the middle end where the rib cage meets).
The cane length at the sternum level is not recommended unless you live in a crowded city, because the long cane (i.e. the cane length between the chin or nose level) is more useful for the visually impaired user to identify obstacles on the ground, which means safer walking. It can also walk faster. The disadvantage of the long cane is that it is heavier than other canes.
Right now we offer 3 cane sizes:
- 129 cm (51 inch)
- 137 cm (54 inch)
- 149 cm (59 inch)
How to use a white cane while walking on the pavement?
When using a white cane, the primary follow -up point should be the edges of the walls in indoors and the roadsides on outside. Except for the guideways, the middle of the sidewalk should not be used unless it is necessary. In roadside tracking, the walking stick should be dropped from the pavement to the side facing the road. The person who reads the possibility of walking on the pavement should follow the cane by hitting the cane in parallel, the opposite of the traffic flow, that is, the vehicles can see the cane, an approaching danger may hiss and a safe place should be passed. Listing is priority priority; If there are no guiding roads, the edge overlooking the pavement should be followed, otherwise, without putting a safe danger, follow the edge parallel to the pavement until a safe path is found.How to use the white cane?
When used correctly white canes allow users to detect cracks on the roads, steps, obstacles, drop downs and orientation marks. The white cane is used by sliding left to right on a smooth floor and by lifting it from the ground and touching it to the right and left on rough ground. Special techniques have been developed for climbing / descending stairs or to find a dropped object. It is produced in various lengths according to the height of the white cane wearer. The correct cane technique, which will provide maximum protection and information, is as follows:- Hold the cane with your hand centered in front of your body;
- Move the cane with wrist/finger movement only, with your arm remaining still;
- Move the cane tip in an arc that is about an inch wider than your body;
- Move the cane in rhythm with your feet, with the cane tip always being on the opposite side of yourforward foot;
- The cane tip either slides along the ground (“constant-contact technique”) or touches the ground at each end of the arc and remains no more than an inch above the ground (“touch technique”).