The true purpose of technology is to solve real-world problems. That principle has guided the development of the Tactile Vision for Independant Mobility (VTA) project, an initiative led by Dr. Tomás Ortiz that seeks to support people with visual impairments through a system capable of converting visual information into tactile stimuli perceived through the abdomen.
CMO of Bolboreta Innova Group. 25 years in strategic marketing and branding, specializing in connecting brands with people.
CMO de Bolboreta Innova Group.
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Behind the Tactile Vision for Independant Mobility (VTA) project is a multidisciplinary team united by an ambitious objective: using technology to improve the independence of people with visual impairments. To achieve this goal, the team has combined engineering, scientific research, user-centered design, and a strong ability to adapt. In this interview, we speak with engineers Álvaro García and Daniel Álvarez, who lead different technical areas of the project, about the challenges, lessons learned, and key decisions that have shaped its evolution.
What is the greatest technological challenge of the VTA project?
When discussing technological innovation, it is easy to assume that the greatest challenge lies in the complexity of the hardware or software. For the VTA team, however, the challenge extended far beyond the technology itself. As one of the project leaders explains:
“The technological challenge is not so much the solution itself, but thinking of something that is useful and can realistically be manufactured.”
The system had to be lightweight, comfortable, battery-powered, and capable of operating in real time, transforming images captured by a camera into synchronized vibrations without perceptible delays. At the same time, it needed to function beyond the laboratory and adapt to the daily lives of its users. This practical vision has been present since the earliest stages of development and has shaped much of the project's technological evolution.
Designing technology that adapts to people, not the other way around
One of the most significant design decisions was moving stimulation from the hands to the abdominal area. This decision was not based solely on technical considerations, but also on usability and personal independence. According to the engineers, the aim was to develop a solution that would not create additional barriers or constantly draw attention to the user's disability.
“These people already face enough barriers without making them feel even more different.”
The possibility of concealing the device under clothing, keeping the hands free, and enabling greater freedom of movement became design priorities just as important as the technology itself.
What happens when a prototype leaves the laboratory?
Every innovation project reaches a decisive moment: the first time it leaves a controlled environment and is used by real people. For the VTA project, that moment generated valuable and unexpected insights. The devices needed to withstand continuous use and adapt to a young user base. As the developers recall:
“They're children. This is a toy to them, and they treat it like a toy.”
This reality forced the team to rethink aspects related to robustness, materials, and long-term durability. What initially began as a laboratory prototype gradually evolved into a solution increasingly prepared for real-world use. The experience demonstrated that innovation does not end when a hypothesis is validated. It begins when technology must coexist with the people it was designed to help.
The challenges of coordinating technology teams remotely
Another major challenge was coordinating teams working from different locations. Distance did not prevent progress, but it required the development of new communication and collaboration dynamics.
“Distance makes everything much more complicated.”
Even so, the project ultimately demonstrated the ability of geographically dispersed professionals to work together on different components of a complex solution. One of the most memorable moments for the team came during the first complete integration of both systems:
“The first day we put everything together... it worked on the first try.”
An achievement that validated not only the technology itself, but also the effectiveness of collaboration between teams separated by thousands of kilometres.
What can a young engineer learn from a social innovation project?
Beyond the technical aspects, the interview provides a particularly valuable reflection for those at the beginning of their professional careers. The engineers involved emphasize that participating in projects with social impact offers a sense of purpose that is difficult to find elsewhere.
“What you do ends up having a positive impact on people who face greater challenges.”
Working on technologies that have not yet been fully developed also creates opportunities to explore new paths and contribute directly to advancing the field of engineering.
“This isn't something that's already been invented.”
At a time when many technologies appear mature and established, projects such as VTA remind us that there are still challenges capable of inspiring future generations of engineers and innovators.
The most important lesson from the VTA project
Beyond sensors, motors, and electronic systems, the VTA project demonstrates that the most transformative innovations emerge when technology is placed at the service of people. The reflections shared by Álvaro García and Daniel Álvarez show that developing technology is not simply about solving technical challenges. It also involves listening to users, understanding their needs, and designing solutions that genuinely improve quality of life.
And perhaps that is the most important lesson of all: Innovation reaches its full potential when it combines scientific knowledge, technological excellence, and social commitment.
Do you have a technology or hypothesis with impact potential?
Many of the world's most important scientific advances begin as an idea, a hypothesis, or a research result that still requires validation, technological development, and connection to real market opportunities.
At Bolboreta Investiga, we support researchers, research groups, and scientific organizations throughout that journey. We help validate technologies, identify knowledge-transfer opportunities, access funding, and build projects capable of generating scientific, social, and economic impact. If you are developing an innovative technology and are looking for expert support in science, business, and technology to take it further, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us and discover how we can help transform knowledge into innovation.
Watch the full interview
In the complete interview, Álvaro García and Daniel Álvarez discuss in greater depth the technical challenges, mistakes, lessons learned, and design decisions that have shaped the evolution of the Tactile Vision for Independant Mobility (VTA) project. Click here to watch the full interview.
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