Feelware retrofits household appliances with voice output and distributes barrier-free devices for blind and visually impaired people.

Feelware BV

Heerlen (NL), Vogt 21 · Aachen (DE), Vogt 21New on Amplifa

2018Idea conceived

2Locations (Heerlen NL, Aachen DE)

up to 10 weeksDelivery time for retrofit (custom-made)

About Feelware

Feelware BV is an assistive technology company headquartered in Heerlen (Netherlands) with an office in Aachen. The company develops and distributes voice output systems that make household appliances such as stoves, ovens, washing machines and tumble dryers operable for blind and visually impaired people. The core product is the patented Feelware Audio: an operating button mounted on the appliance's original rotary knob, plus a separate AudioBox that audibly announces program selection and settings. The retrofit is custom-made for each specific appliance; in addition, fully integrated talking devices such as the Caso FW20 Audio microwave, kitchen scales, color recognition devices and telephones are distributed. The range is complemented by demo kits for testing, advice on cost coverage by health and long-term care insurers, tactile labeling, as well as installation and instruction. Customers include private households, advisory institutions and cooperation partners such as Siemens, Caso, Delonghi and BlindShell; customers in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands are supplied.

Site: Aachen
Processes: HR consulting, Loan/demo kits for testing, Installation/retrofit of the voice output, Instruction in operation (for an additional fee), Financing/cost coverage advice (e.g. health/long-term care insurer), Audible product catalog (service phone, currently German only), Tactile labeling
Materials: Aluminum alloy, Stand-up display banner
Industries: Aids for blind and visually impaired people, Barrier-free household appliances, Assistive Technology

01
Consultation and assessment of retrofit feasibility (appliance photos)
02
Custom manufacturing of the Feelware Audio System
03
Shipping to the customer
04
Installation at the appliance settings
05
Instruction and service (for an additional fee)

Manufacturing and Materials

Aluminum alloy

Housing of the DualDemokits made of aluminum alloy (655 x 205 x 155 mm, 4 kg).

PVC/Plane

Stand-up display banner

Covering of the demo kit displays made of high-quality display banner material.

Locations

Heerlen

Headquarters

Aachen

Office/business address (Vogt 21)

Products and Components

**Feelware Audio operating button (retrofit for washing machine)**Electronic assembly · Assistive Technology

**Feelware Audio stove knobs with AudioBox**Voice output system · Assistive Technology

**AudioBox with demo kit holder**Loan system · Assistive Technology

**Talking microwave Caso FW20 Audio**Fully integrated device · Barrier-free household appliances

**Talking kitchen scale Marschall 1300S**Fully integrated device · Assistive Technology

Inside the production

Feelware Audio operating button on the program selection knob of a washing

DualDemokit for electric stove with six stove knobs and AudioBox

Demo kit for stoves and ovens with three operating buttons

Industries

Aids for blind and visually impaired peopleBarrier-free household appliancesAssistive Technology

Additional services

HR consultingLoan/demo kits for testingInstallation/retrofit of the voice outputInstruction in operation (for an additional fee)Financing/cost coverage advice (e.g. health/long-term care insurer)Audible product catalog (service phone, currently German only)Tactile labeling

Reference customers

Siemens (as compatibility reference: Siemens washing machine WM14N095, ovens, tumble dryers)Caso (microwave FW20 Audio)Delonghi (ECAM Magnifica S coffee machine conversion kit)BlindShell (Classic 3 telephone)Marschall (kitchen scale 1300S)

History

2018
Robert notices while buying a kitchen that household appliances are inaccessible to blind people; the idea for Feelware is born.
2019
First Feelware products with tactile symbols are developed together with blind people; first customers from summer 2019; the Rotterdam School of Management becomes aware of the startup.
2020
Jean joins the team; Feelware Audio goes from prototype to finished product.
2021
First built-in appliances and ovens with voice output; customers in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
2022
The team grows; the offering is expanded to include talking washing machines and tumble dryers; return to trade fairs.
2024
Audience winner (Public's Favourite) at the international aids trade fair SightCity.