Prototype of an indoor navigation app for visually impaired passengers
In 2018, SNCF called on STEAMULO to collaborate on the study and design of an operational prototype app to assist visually impaired people in navigating inside a station selected for the experiment.
SNCF decided to pursue an indoor navigation experiment combining BLE/iBeacon beacons with the tactile paving already installed in its stations, offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution than traditional audio beacons.
How the app works
At each junction marked on the floor (intersection of guidance strips or end of a strip at a service point), the user taps the app interface (or a hands-free kit button).
The app responds vocally and visually (in large, high-contrast text) with the services served by each guidance strip, keeping track of the user's direction of travel to indicate the right way. On reaching a service, only the name of the destination is announced.
Testing the prototype in real conditions
Algorithm validation
Validation of the proposed algorithm with SNCF and development of a first prototype tested on Steamulo's premises.
passengers use stations daily
stations in France
passengers welcomed daily at Gare du Nord
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