Path Finder
Path Finder projects visual cues to initiate and regulate walking in those with Parkinson’s disease.
Path Finder is a handsfree, and intuitive to use mobility aid for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The device uses a laser to project a visual cue in front of each foot. The aim is to alleviate a symptom of PD called ‘freezing of gait’ (FoG), where the user feels as if they can’t move their feet, leaving them susceptible to falls. FoG affects 30-50% of PD patients and is considered to be one of the most debilitating symptoms, which does not respond well to medications. Path Finder was released to market earlier this year throughout Europe and is expected to be released to market in the USA in the next 6 months. The device was designed by Lise Pape, who has personal experience with PD. After seeing her father suffering from FoG, she decided to utilise her background in human biology, business, finance and design engineering to develop a product that could help many. In 2014, Walk With Path was formed and 3 years later, Path Finder was on the market.