Samsung Creates Blind Cap For Paralympic Swimmers

Samsung Electronics and Cheil Spain have created a swimming cap to help blind Paralympic swimmers.

The swimming cap, called ‘Blind Cap’, alerts the swimmer as to when they have to make a turn in the pool to make another length.

Currently, they rely on their coach to tap a pole when they’re approaching the end of a lap – a method that has been used in Paralympic sport since 1960.

The Blind Cap is fitted with a vibrating sensor which uses Bluetooth technology that’s activated by an app available on Android or the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch.

The Samsung Blind Cap is currently being tested by the Spanish Paralympics team, and has been submitted to the IOC for approval and if it passes the cap will be available ahead of the Rio Olympics later this year.

Breno Cotta, executive creative director of Cheil Spain, said: “Blind Cap is an innovation that builds upon one of Samsung’s core values, which is ‘meaningful progress through technology’. It’s much more than a wearable, it serves as a standard of innovation and we are convinced that it will soon be a reality in the Paralympic Games. It is a winning lap for Paralympic swimming.”

Malcolm Poynton, global chief creative officer Cheil Worldwide, said: “We believe mobile is central to how brands connect with consumers today. As a network, we’re excited to continue leading the way, with Blind Cap being yet another example of how we’re innovating with Samsung’s mobile technologies to help improve everyday life.”