OpenEmboss
Affordable, open-source embossing printer for blind people
Ongoing project - open for funding
Embossing printers make graphic information tactile. Since embossing printers are expensive, the goal of this project is to develop an affordable, open-source embossing printer that is freely available.
This is what it's all about
Braille embossers are a technology that can be used to make tactile versions of textual and graphic content, such as mathematical functions, for people who are blind. These devices use mechanical pins to emboss Braille and other graphics directly onto thicker paper. However, commercially available products are very expensive. Therefore, purchasing such embossing printers is usually not possible for private individuals and non-specialized schools. Access to graphic information, such as diagrams, is essential, especially in school and university, to grasp and understand complex content.
What we want to achieve
To solve this problem, we aim to develop a non-commercial embossing printer that produces precise results, uses minimal materials, and can be set up and operated by laypeople. To this end, we are developing a website that contains a list of materials for the printer's components and a detailed description of how to assemble it. Additionally, we will develop instructions that explain how to use the embossing printer in detail.
The goal of this project is to redesign a DIY embossing printer kit. Preliminary experience designing a prototype has already been gained at ACCESS@KIT. The aim is to optimize evaluated processes and designs to develop a robust embossing printer.
Facts and figures
One year
Funding required:
€39.100
Funding sources:
Open to sponsors
Project responsibility KIT:
Lukas Schölch and Patryk Dzierzawski
"With OpenEmboss, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable education for blind and visually impaired individuals, regardless of their financial situation.“
Patryk Dzierzawski and Lukas Schölch
- research assistants at ACCESS@KIT -
