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In France, on Saturday May 11, the epilogue of the Lépine competition took place, which celebrated its 120th anniversary this year. Every year, it is a meeting which is a real hope for those who present their inventions.
You have to follow an inventor to perceive the revolution to come. Rémi du Chalard won the Lépine 2024 competition, he helps the visually impaired. On a phone screen, we see the image perceived by their brain thanks to a sensor placed on glasses, connected to a belt. “The belt will draw images on the skin of the back, so it’s full of little nubs which will play on the sense of touch to transmit the images”he explained.
Improve everyday life
A visually impaired young man tested the prototype and, for him, it was the promise of regained autonomy, without a white cane. “When there were people coming out of a building, I was able to stop for them to pass, so it’s great”, he rejoiced. Already in 1953, the inventors of the competition were concerned about the fate of the visually impaired. Another recurring concern for more than 100 years: getting around on two wheels with the least effort. The Lépine competition represents the hope, for each of the inventors, of improving everyday life.