Hello everyone. For better or worse, I have been using the first-generation WeWALK Smart Cane for over five years. Throughout this period, I have gained extensive experience—enjoying many positive moments while also encountering some challenges. Now, with the introduction of its second-generation , I can confidently say that every step is accompanied by enhanced security, practicality, and comfort.
Below, I detail the innovations that Smart Cane 2 offers compared to version 1, focusing on its ergonomics, water resistance, hardware details, and integrated voice navigation features.
Physical Design, Ergonomics, and Structural Improvements:
Ergonomics: Both versions feature an Ambutech graphite, foldable lower shaft, renowned for its strength and lightness and widely favored among blind users. However, the similarities end there. They offer various cane sizes and only weighs approximately 400 grams, or a little under 1 pound.
While both devices incorporate a handle that deviates from a classic white cane by integrating smart technology, the handle of Smart Cane 2 feels much closer to that of a traditional white cane in terms of grip and weight distribution. Notable design details include physical buttons and a rounded speaker grille at the top, which immediately distinguish the new model from its predecessor.
* WeWALK Smart Cane 1: The first model utilized a touchpad-based control panel, which posed significant challenges for fully blind users like myself. The lack of tactile feedback and frequent accidental command triggers were major issues. Additionally, the cane felt bulky and heavy compared to traditional white canes, resulting in wrist and arm fatigue during extended use.
* WeWALK Smart Cane 2: The new model is nearly as light as a classic white cane and has been redesigned to be slimmer and more ergonomic. The touch panel has been replaced by physical buttons with strong tactile feedback, allowing me to instantly discern which button I am pressing—even during busy street walks.
Water Resistance:
* WeWALK Smart Cane1: It lacked adequate protection against water and dust, exposing the electronics to potential damage in rainy weather.
* WeWALK Smart Cane 2: The new model is designed for year-round use, reliably operating in rain, snow, and mildly dusty environments. This upgrade provides significant peace of mind, particularly for users who spend long periods outdoors. WeWALK’s products are also backed with a standard warranty and their team will either repair or replace the device should anything happen to it during normal use.
Hardware and Button Layout – From Bottom to Top:
* LED Flashlight/Torchlight (Bottommost): Located at the base of the cane’s handle, this powerful flashlight ensures that I am visible to pedestrians and vehicles during nighttime walks. It also enhances visual input for smart glasses and phone cameras in low-light conditions, capturing richer visual details.
* Obstacle Detection Sensor (Above the LED): This ultrasonic sensor detects obstacles—such as poles, branches, and signs—at head and shoulder level. WeWALK has equipped Smart Cane 2 with a more advanced sensor for enhanced performance. When a head level obstacle is detected, you’ll hear an audio notification through its in-built speakers located at the rear of the handle. If you prefer to be more discreet, the cane allows you to disable the audio feedback and switch to haptic, vibrational feedback. This allows you to feel a vibration on the cane’s handle whenever it detects a head level obstacle, rather than hearing the audio warning. Additionally, the cane features a 360° rotating Pathfinder tip at the bottom that not only identifies ground-level obstacles such as steps and curbs but also rotates smoothly in accordance with my walking direction. This fluid motion enables precise detection of slopes, drops, and curbs while improving overall balance and reducing wrist strain during long walks. Together, the upper sensor and the rotating tip provide nearly comprehensive obstacle awareness.
* Physical Button Group (Previous, Select, Next, Power): Positioned just above the obstacle sensor, these four buttons replace the previous model’s touch panel. Their tactile design allows for instantaneous feedback, making menu navigation effortless even while on the move.
Side Surface Layout:
* Right Side – Obstacle Distance Adjustment Button:
* Single Press: Adjusts the detection distance according to the environment.
* Press and Hold: Switches between two modes:
* Sound Mode: Emits beeping tones that increase in frequency as obstacles approach, similar to a car’s parking sensor.
* Vibration Mode: Provides haptic feedback akin to WeWALK Smart Cane 1, but with enhanced intensity and quality.
* Unassigned Button: Located directly below the distance adjustment button, this button currently has no assigned function; however, future software updates are expected to activate it. Their team is constantly releasing software updates which they gather from their community to improve the user experience.
* USB Type-C Port: Unlike the micro-USB on WeWALK Smart Cane 1, the new model features a USB Type-C port positioned just above the obstacle distance adjustment button. This upgrade allows for faster, more convenient charging with the same cable used for other devices such as my Mac or power bank. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the device and you’ll get 6 to 8 hours battery life which will let you through one day on a single charge while keeping it alive in standby for two days.
* Speaker and Microphone Placement: The in-built speaker speaker designed by Harman, located at the very top of the handle, ensures that navigation prompts and alerts are loud and clear, even outdoors. The microphone, positioned on the upper rear side, effectively filters out background noise and accurately captures voice commands. You can also use your favorite Bluetooth headset or earpiece with the cane, allowing you to hear audio through your headset as opposed to its speakers. This is very useful for those noisy environments, or for quiet spaces where you don’t want the cane to be heard through its speakers.
AI-Powered Voice Assistant:
One of the most groundbreaking features of WeWALK Smart Cane 2 is its AI-powered Voice Assistant powered by Open AI’s Chat-GPT and easily activated by a long press of the round “Select” button.
* Natural Guidance: When navigating unfamiliar streets, it feels as though I have a smart, conversational companion guiding me using natural language.
* Comprehensive Assistance: I can receive step-by-step directions, information about nearby points of interest, and public transportation updates—all without needing to pull out my phone. I can even ask general questions that I might have on my mind, such as facts about cities or the current weather.
* Personalized Descriptions: With the Voice Assistant, I receive GPS-based contextual information about my surroundings, which greatly aids in navigating crowded or unfamiliar areas.
Real-World Experience with WeWALK Smart Cane 2:
* Low-Light and Visual Description Support: The LED flashlight does not directly illuminate my path; rather, it ensures that I am visible to others. When paired with devices like Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, it provides additional lighting that helps capture richer details.
* Obstacle Detection: The Pathfinder tip promptly detects curbs, steps, and uneven surfaces, while the upper ultrasonic sensor identifies obstacles at head height, preventing my head from running into objects that I wouldn’t be able to detect with my traditional white cane. This dual system delivers timely alerts for items such as traffic light poles, tree branches, bus stops, and advertisement boards.
* Flexible Feedback Options: The side-mounted distance button allows me to adjust the detection range for tight spaces. Holding the button switches between Audio Mode and Vibration Mode, providing either audible beeps or haptic feedback.
* Fast Charging and Portability: Thanks to the USB Type-C port—located just above the distance adjustment button—charging is significantly easier. Whether using my Mac or a power bank, I can recharge the device quickly without interruption. The cane’s lightweight and ergonomic design minimizes fatigue during long walks, and its durable design ensures reliable operation in rainy conditions—a stark improvement over the first-generation model, which may be susceptible towater damage.
* Voice Navigation : In unfamiliar areas, the AI Voice Assistant offers turn-by-turn guidance and detailed environmental descriptions, greatly enhancing my overall situational awareness.
* Effortless navigation and exploration: I can use the WeWALK application and pair it up to the Smart Cane 2 via Bluetooth to get all types of information through a single application. I can get turn-by-turn navigation, find popular restaurants, cafes, museums, etc, and even check of public transportation options nearby, including their arrival times. Being able to connect via Bluetooth enables me to place my smartphone in my pocket and control the WeWALK app directly through the cane’s buttons.
Final Thoughts:
Compared to my five-year experience with WeWALK Smart Cane 1, the second-generation Smart Cane 2 represents a significant advancement in hardware, ergonomics, water resistance, and smart features. The transition from a touchpad to tactile buttons, the lightweight and ergonomic design, weather resistance, USB-C charging, Harman powered speakers, high-quality microphone, advanced obstacle detection, and flexible adjustment options enable me to navigate daily life with increased ease and safety.
Moreover, the AI-powered voice assistant is like having a personal guide with me at all times, making unfamiliar streets feel much more navigable.
For blind users like myself, WeWALK Smart Cane 2 is not just a smart cane—it is a comprehensive solution that enhances comfort, safety, and independence in everyday life.
Pros of the WeWALK Smart Cane 2
• Ergonomic Design: Slimmer, lighter, and more balanced than the first-generation cane—closer in feel to a traditional white cane.
• Tactile Physical Buttons: Replaces the difficult touchpad with intuitive buttons that are easy to use on the go. Pairs to the WeWALK app via Bluetooth allowing users to navigate, find popular places, and look for nearby public transit while keeping their phone in their pocket.
• Advanced Obstacle Detection: Dual system (ultrasonic head-level sensor + Pathfinder tip) covers obstacles from head to ground level.
• Flexible Feedback Options: Toggle between audio beeps and vibration for obstacle alerts depending on the environment.
• Water & Dust Resistance: Usable in rain, snow, and dusty conditions—an essential upgrade.
• Fast Charging & Modern Port: USB Type-C port for faster, more convenient charging.
• Improved Audio & Mic: Harman powered speaker and high-quality mic for clear voice feedback and commands.
• Bluetooth Compatibility: Works with your favorite headset for private or noisy environments.
• AI-Powered Voice Assistant: ChatGPT integration provides smart navigation, contextual info, and conversational support.
• Regular Software Updates Covering both the Smart Cane and the mobile application: New features and improvements based on community feedback.
❌ Cons of the WeWALK Smart Cane 2
• Battery Life: Approx. one day per charge—manageable but might require daily recharging for heavy users.
• Learning Curve: New users may need time (or training) to fully adapt to all the smart features. WeWALK offers online training for owners for a reasonable fee.
• Unassigned Button: One button is currently inactive, pending future updates—could confuse users at first.
With love,
Emre TEO
Comments
Great Review
This is an excellent and comprehensive review. Thank you for sharing it with the community!
Was this review created using artificial intelligence?
If so, not trying to be critical but I think it's really important to advise readers that the creator used AI in support of the submission!
This product looks promising however, there seems to be a lack of focus on real world accuracy, reliability and safety! Look, I get it, I use a service dog and a cane and strong mobility and orientation skill is a must no matter what we use. You know going back to the very first trekker GPS, which I beta tested in 2003, there was always the proviso that said device is not to be solely relied upon and that strong ONM skills are a must etc. etc. Now the cane we use for safe public awareness and navigation is also GPS, artificial intelligence and mobility combined? I'd love to believe but, this review is strong on marketing, hyperbole and a little weak on important real world performance, accuracy, reliability and safety. Just my opinion, thanks for posting
Impressive review
I definitely liked the review. All the information provided has made me very curious about this thing.
I tried it a little bit at sight village, in the UK.
It's not for me.
The person was unable to ask it to find them the nearest starbucks, i'm assuming because of the bad internet, so what happens if you're walking and the internet drops,, or goes from 5g to 4 g, to even 3g?
I believe the device uses chat gpt to comunicate with the user, so you'll have to pay monthly for that.
The obstical detection is nice enough but other canes have been able to do that before this came along.
Also, I remember reading something about a person not being able to get a refund when they found out the cain wasn't for them, they were in the allotted time given but were unable to hear back from the people who made it.
If you buy this, I'd highly recommend going for a demo walk if you can.
I would request for a Video/podcast demonstration
The forum gods, if possible, please review this in detail, along with practical demonstration of the AI capabilities of the cane. What does he mean when he says that it acts like a personal guide while walking down the road? Can I ask it for help when I have to cross the street? Is it super chatty, is there way to quickly scylence it if it's talking too much?
Rocker and Brad
If all else fails remember this can fall back to being used as a normal cane.
It's true other canes have had the sensors but I had an ultracane for a while, then one day the tiniest few drops of water fell on it and one of the sensors stopped working. I had a model released before they started providing a raincover and even if I had one there was no advance warning of this rain, which really was just a tiny sprinkling. Correct me if I'm wrong but I haven't heard other sensor based canes described as being water resistant. I'm waiting to see how things shake out with Glidance for now but if that turns out not to be suitable for me I might consider a we walk 2 but I would see it primarily as a cane with the buttons to control GPS functionality a nice to have, though I'd prefer integration with blindsquare, and the voice assistant being a pure gimmick I'm unlikely to personally use. If I were that much in need of a voice assistant I'd probably just get the meta glasses.
@SeasonKing answering your questions.
Keep in mind I've not used it outside of a hall but no, it can't help you cross the road, you'd have to use your cane skills for that.
You can control the distance of the obstical ditection but i don't think you can control the verbocity of the cane itself.
@Icosa.
I think I tried that cane, it was interesting.
I don't think you can control the GPS with the buttons,, I think you do have to ask it to find you the nearest shop/place.
I pre ordered the glide and am looking forward to it but I'm not a huge fan of having to talk to these devices.
@Brad
That would be unfortunate. I don't normally use GPS for guidance so much as announcing my current location, and in a taxi or public transport the guidance style is pretty much pointless. I'd be looking for more the kind of thing blindsquare lets you access through a headset's playback controls most especially current address with next intersection.
I have no useful vision and I don't like going down unfamiliar streets, but my local area has a lot of random nonsense that can cause issues. Corners that turn as a gradual curve so you barely notice you've gone round the corner until you're well past it, intersections at all kinds of funny angles, random metal railings or brick planters. I might reconsider with something like glydance but not with something like this.
Electronic canes
Ooooooooooooof Just checked pricing, the we walk 2 is ÂŁ700 in the UK with the ultracane being ÂŁ621. Holy heck the ultracane went up and those are some high costs. I'm still in disbelief that there hasn't been a second gen ultracane but even more so now, and if we walk can make theirs water resistant I fail to see why the ultracane isn't given how obvious an improvement it is.
Couple of thoughts
Firstly, thanks very much for the review.
I also tried it very briefly in Sight Village. I quite liked it and wanted to spend more time with it. One thing I really like is that it attaches to a normal AmbuTech cane so I believe you can use it with whatever tip suits and if your cane breaks, you can just move it to a different one.
I like the fact that it doesn't require me to carry anything extra with me. For example, with Biped I'm probably having to grab my cane plus the Robocop jacket to go with it.
I would probably be more interested had I not preordered Glide already, which is definitely a more ambitious approach - the WeWalk feels like it would be an extension to what I am already doing whereas the Glide is a whole new world.
Having said that, I'm not going to be using my Glide all the time. If I'm out walking the dogs with my wife somewhere I know, I'll just be using my cane I would imagine. So if I had the WeWalk then I might well bring that and it would give me notice of overhanging branches.
I would love to try some of these things out in the wild though.
Huh
I was under the impression the we walk 2 was like the ultracane, where the custom handle replaces the handle section on what would otherwise be a standard ambutech cane and wouldn't be transferrable without amputating the handle on the new cane.
Transferring to a new cane
I'm not sure exactly how it transfers - it is possibly a different handle rather than a separate attachment. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has tried this to know how easy it is.
The thought of going out with an expensive Glide in public does make me a bit anxious. This would not be a problem with the WeWalk which is a big positive.