App will help visually impaired queue safely
A SWADLINCOTE firm has come up with a unique way of helping visually impaired shoppers queue for supermarkets during the Covid pandemic.
Ticknall Solar has developed both solar- and mains-powered pedestrian crossings to help the visually impaired manage virtual queues for supermarkets via a new app.
The invention includes a 100 per cent carbon-free-solar powered beacon with a built in Bluetooth transmitter. This beacon is able to alert visually impaired people through their smartphones of nearby pedestrian crossings.
But as the coronavirus has seen an increase in queues outside supermarkets, this technology could now provide a practical solution by preventing shoppers queuing outside and enable them to wait in their cars until safe to enter.
The system would create virtual queues via an app and would work by sending the user a QR code to their smartphone when it is safe to enter the store.
Heather Wheeler, MP for South Derbyshire, said: “This new invention could provide a safe alternative to queuing outside supermarkets and allow customers to wait in their cars until safe to enter. As we approach the cold winter months it will mean that older customers and others do not have to wait outside in the rain.
“I am proud to see such innovative ideas coming from companies based in South Derbyshire.
“I was impressed by this technology when I had a tour of Ticknall Solar, based in Swadlincote, where I met the managing director Phil Mitchell.”
Mr Mitchell said: “We have been working hard to develop this new technology and play our part in the fight against the coronavirus. With Covid-19 causing social distance queues outside supermarkets, this technology could be used to manage a virtual queue via an app. When it is safe for the customer to enter the store, they would be sent a QR code to their smartphone.
“The code would be read by a QR reader at the store entrance and the customer would be given the green light to enter the store”.
I am proud to see such innovative ideas coming from companies based in South Derbyshire.
Heather Wheeler, MP