The STRAP Technologies team has been working on research and development of ARA for over 3 years
ARA uses haptic language which is based on human behavior rather than a traditional language. Our haptic sensors (we use vibration-type and single-point-pressure-type sensors) are in both the device itself which, when worn, is located at the chest, and within the straps that hold the device to the chest. The straps go over the shoulders and around the torso. ARA sends haptic patterns of vibrations and “pokes” in different intensities, spatial patterns, and with various timing. In this way, the device is available to all global users regardless of their traditional language
ARA is a wearable device that goes around the chest. Our haptic sensors (we use vibration-type and single-point-pressure-type) are in both the device itself which, when worn, is located at the chest, and within the straps that hold the device to your chest. The straps go over your shoulders and around your torso. Users can wear jackets and other outer clothing if it does not cover the core of the ARA device
Yes, ARA was designed to be used by people all ages, from 7 to 80. ARA’s adjustable chest strap also allows different heights and weights to use ARA with ease.
ARA is totally independent device. You don’t need an app to begin using it.
The comments we hear from our first-time users are very uplifting, so we know that we’re tracking to our mission of independence and helping the visually impaired explore in new ways. The comment we get the most is the awe of the device being hands-free and the excitement that this brings. We also get feedback on the wearability, how it fits and the ease of use and quick understanding of the haptic language. Our testers have been very happy, and we’ve enjoyed witnessing the surprise that ARA delivers for the first-time user, it has been impressive for our team to get these results. You can check our different testimonials.
We are continuing to test so the numbers will climb. We have had over 250+ users test ARA and approximately 17,000 hours of testing
When there is an update on your device, we will send you an email with instructions and steps to update it correctly.
In order to connect Ara to your wifi network you need a router/modem with a physical WPS button. Lets connect Ara to your Wifi Network. Plug in your charger and turn Ara on, then go near your router/modem. You will only have about 60 seconds to pair your device to your wifi network so we suggest you have your Ara device close at hand.
Step 1: Press the WPS on your router/modem. This is a small button and can be usually found in the back of the modem. Please look into your modem model or contact the manufacturer to get precise information on the location of the WPS button.
Step 2: On your Ara device, press and hold the volume up button and the menu button (left button) for 3 seconds, you will hear a looping sound notification. This means Ara is pairing correctly. The pairing process may take up to 2 minutes.
Step 3: If the pairing process was successful you will hear a confirmation sound. If the pairing process stopped without any further feedback, please try again.
Step 4: Should you want to exit the pairing process, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds, or press and hold for 3 seconds the volume up button and the menu button (left button).
After setting up your internet connection, you will need to access the WPS to update your device. Look at the “Update” section for more detailed instructions. Do NOT press your router/modem’s WPS button since it is already set up for your device and that will only make Ara set its internet connection again.
Note: WPS is a secure connection protocol if done currently, but we are aware it is not the best solution, we are working on a more secure and easier wifi connection and update protocol.
Once your Ara device receives its first feature upgrade (full resolution low obstacle detection, intensity and frequency of haptic vibration), you will have a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.
Our team has developed a wearable device that is composed of sensors and uses haptic language. Just by feeling vibrations in different parts of the body, the user is warned of obstacles, detected by the device’s sensors that are interpreted and classified by artificial intelligence. For example, if the user is on a sidewalk, this will not be perceived as an obstacle and the device will not attempt to warn you. But if it perceives a pothole in the sidewalk, it will identify danger and warn you. The wearable device also detects the approach of moving objects such as vehicles, alerting the user with enough time for the person to stop. Something new is the ability to detect things above the waist, spaces that the cane does not have access to. Thanks to the sensors, tall objects are detected such as trees, poles, signs, and columns, avoiding run-ins that can often occur and that the cane cannot detect. In addition to haptic language, ARA also provides straight line navigation and the ability to go up and down stairs
We are in the process of developing a haptic language for our ARA device. Yes, there are different vibration patterns and intensities for the user to understand what is in front of them. Our team has developed haptic actuators in each over the shoulder strap and in the main core of the wearable device. With this development, ARA offers a different sequence of vibrations for each situation
We only use audio for you to learn how to use ARA
We don’t believe there’s a significant learning curve as ARA is easy to use and it takes about 2 minutes to fully understand the product. We continue to monitor first time use of the device with our testers and we’re very satisfied with how our initial testers respond to ARA their first time using the device
Yes, Ara will let you know if the obstacle in front of you is an open hole, a step, and even downstairs and upstairs
No, but ARA is splash resistant
At this time, ARA does not work with 3rd party GPS apps. We do have this planned
The ARA team is developing a first-of-a-kind device. It includes capabilities for straight line navigation, guiding the wearer up and down stairs, and an intuitive and novel haptic language that keeps users safe and aware of their surroundings, all while ensuring our wearable product fits and functions on different body sizes and considers changing environmental and walking surface conditions. There is no other device out there that can do all these things.
To know what we need to provide, we learn every single day from our user feedback and from suggestions from future customers. We have frequent strategy meetings within the STRAP Technology Team to ensure that we remain true to our North star, creating an assistive device that is 100% built for the blind and visually impaired to use and to do so independently. As the STRAP Technologies team grows, we have shared and maintained our original passion to change people’s lives, this drives all of us to work hard, pushing the boundaries past what’s already been done
ARA will refund customers in full upon the total amount for the device has been paid. STRAP Technologies is not responsible for refunding currency conversion fees that may be applied by the customer’s banking institution.
The refunded amount a customer receives could be decreased by one or more currency conversion fees from their bank depending on the difference between the currency conversion rates on the days the charge and refund were made.
The only way to get more information about this would be to have you reach out to your bank
In case your Ara does not work, please contact our support team so that we can assist you.