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Lost? This Startup’s Hand-Gripping Device Will Guide You

TrekAce's wrist-strap serves as a navigator that directs the wearer in real time, using vibrations

Adi Pick 16:5031.10.18

We’ve all been there: trying to hold coffee in one hand, a mobile phone in the other, engage in conversation and navigate, all at the same time. Multitasking can be challenging, especially when trying to get to a place you have never been to before. TrekAce Technologies Ltd. took this challenge by the hand: the company developed a tactile wrist-strap that serves as a navigator directing wearers using vibrations and sound notifications. Get a buzz on your left? turn left; on the right? just follow the vibration. A strong buzz? Stop where you’re at.

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While the company originally aimed its wearable device for civilian uses, it is currently being used by several militaries and homeland security agencies, TrekAce’s CEO Ronen Gabbay said in a Wednesday interview with Calcalist. When a flashlight or radio chatter can expose soldiers’ locations, a tactile device that doesn’t need to be constantly looked at makes sense, he said. Gabbay declined to identify the company’s clients.

TrekAce's wrist-strap. Photo: PR

Founded in 2015, the Israeli company has offices in Kfar Saba, around 15 miles northeast of Tel Aviv. It plans to open a U.S. office next year. On Thursday, the company was announced as a runner-up in a startup contest co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The category: Urban Navigation Challenge.

The wrist-strap does not need connectivity to work. It can be pre-loaded with the relevant information through a USB socket. It also includes a screen displaying temperature, elevation, and speed. The strap can connect to the user's smartphone.