Kuwu: an inclusive pencil
Summary
Kuwu is an educational tool that can used to make embossed drawings that are sensitive to touch. The person using the haptic writing utensil simply moves it across the specially-designed black adherent Velcro surface to stick the string of yarn in place.
The inclusive pencil provides users the opportunity to create their own drawings which serve as feedback when touched so that they can develop a suite of skills such as creative potential, visuospatial coordination and fine motor skills. It is a fun, inclusive, low-cost tool designed for both the blind and sighted.
Each box of Kuwu contains the following items: 1 drawing board + 1 ball of yarn + 1 Kuwu pencil.
Potential Applications
- Can be used for sensory stimulation during early childhood.
- Can be used with blind children and adults as part of the learning process.
- Can be used during stimulation workshops and training for seniors.
- Can be used to foster inclusiveness through sensory games.
Development Status
TRL 7: System or prototype has been tested in a real environment.
Advantages
- Blind children, students or adults are able to feel their tactile drawings in real time.
- Educational material used to encourage classroom inclusiveness.
- Can be used as part of inclusive sensory games.
- Develops visuospatial coordination, creative skills and fine motor skills.
- Creates an opportunity for social interaction between the blind and sighted.
Intellectual Property
- Chilean patent application No. 3090-2017 submitted.
Opportunity
- Looking for companies or institutions interested in licensing the technology for future mass production and sale.
- Looking for companies or institutions interested in financing the development of Kuwu units for donation and own use and production for future sale and marketing.
Research Team
- Ricardo Rosas, Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Berlin, Germany. Psychologist and Degree in Psychology, UC.
- Martín Santa Cruz, Psychologist, U.Andes. Head of Sales & Marketing at CEDETI UC