Published 2 July 2026
The WeWALK Smart Cane, a connected mobility aid designed to help blind and low vision people travel more independently, has been named one of three finalists for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 2026 MacRobert Award, widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious prize for engineering innovation.
WeWALK is shortlisted alongside innovations in rail safety and genomic sequencing, with the finalists drawn from London, Northumberland and Oxford. The winning team will be announced at the Academy’s annual Awards Dinner on 8 July at The OWO, Raffles London, where the gold medal comes with a £50,000 prize. The MacRobert Award has recognised engineering that combines commercial potential with clear societal benefit since 1969.
Developed in partnership with RNIB, Imperial College and members of the sight loss community, the WeWALK Smart Cane builds on the familiar white cane by adding sounds, vibrations and connected technology. Users can be alerted to obstacles at chest height, identify an approaching bus, check directions and complete journeys with more confidence. An estimated 295 million people worldwide live with a visual impairment, and for many the white cane has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Robin Spinks, Inclusive Design Lead at RNIB, said the charity was “delighted” to have been an integral part of the Smart Cane’s journey, moving closer to “true independence and mobility for blind and low vision people in the UK and beyond”. Dr Jean Marc Feghali, Chief Innovation Officer at WeWALK, said independence “is not measured by the sensor or the algorithm”, but by whether technology helps people leave home more confidently and live fuller lives.
The shortlisting is a reminder of how quickly assistive technology is moving. Smart features are now appearing across the whole spectrum of walking aids and mobility aids, from sensor-equipped canes to app-connected rollators. For people with sight loss, small pieces of well-designed equipment can sit alongside daily living aids to make routine tasks and journeys markedly easier.
If you are exploring equipment for yourself or a family member, our guides explain the options, and you can compare rated suppliers in the Review Mobility company directory.
Sources: THIIS Magazine, WeWALK, RNIB
Related guides on Review Mobility
- Walking aids: the complete UK guide
- Mobility aids explained
- Daily living aids guide
- Find a mobility company near you
Published 2 July 2026
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