Students Ronny Morocho (Biomedicine) and Daniel Yanza (Computer Science) in our branch campus in Cuenca have created an innovative project that combines science, technology, and social commitment: the prototype "Multifunction Glove with Immersive Virtual Environment and Haptic Communication for People with Visual Impairments", which is part of their interdisciplinary graduation project.

The device improves the autonomy of people with visual impairments, allowing them to interact with simulated spaces using a haptic glove capable of transmitting tactile sensations. The proposal, supported by the research groups GiiB (Biomedical Engineering), GiMaT (New Materials and Transformation Processes), and the Doble Vía project, integrates technologies for obstacle recognition, virtual object manipulation, and navigation in simulated educational environments.

The Society for the Blind in Azuay (SONVA for its acronym in Spanish) has actively cooperated with the project, its members have participated in usability testing. During 30- to 45-minute sessions, volunteers explore virtual environments by tactilely identifying geometric shapes, providing key feedback for further refinement of the prototype.

Testing is done both in the laboratories of our university and at SONVA. This collaborative approach not only enriches the project’s technical development but also positions UPS as a benchmark in socially responsible technology with an international vision.

The prototype was accepted into the internationalization program's application process. The research team advances toward a more sophisticated version, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive education and technological transformation at the service of those most in need.