Braille reading pen developed to 'bridge learning gap'

The device resembles a whiteboard pen

A pen which can transform Braille into English text has been developed by experts to help people with visual impairments.

The handheld device, created by the University of Bristol, includes a one-centimetre sensor with 19 channels programmed to read Braille aloud.

The pen, which looks like a whiteboard pen, effectively reads the Braille dots to transmit the information to technology such as a computer or headphones.

Lead author Dr George Jenkinson said Braille literacy is declining despite visually impaired people "really value the ability to read Braille".

The pen would help the visually impaired particularly in public spaces such as cash point machines and elevators, the university added, and has demonstrated high accuracy in early trials.

'Bridge the gap'

Dr Jenkinson told BBC Radio Bristol: "We often hear of people who want to learn or has tried to learn but can't because it's quite difficult to access a teacher or independent learning material.

"This is to bridge that gap so people can learn independently, and even if not learning, this thing can read Braille for them.

"In an ideal case they would use it while learning, get the skill acquisition, then once you can read Braille you don't need the pen."

The university said they plan to extend the functionality of the device so that it is easier to operate accurately.