The team is divided into two subgroups: World Perception and Driver Control. The World Perception subgoup concentrate on making the driver aware of his or her surroundings with non-visual cues. The Driver Control team explores ways of making the driver's control of the vehicle less dependent on sight, as well as finding ways to directly inform the driver through the control interface about his or her environment.

World Perception/Tactile Division:
The Tactile Division of the Virginia Tech Blind Driver Challenge Team is focused on utilizing the driver’s sense of touch to safely control vehicle speed and lane behavior.  To date, the team has finalized a design and begun prototype construction for a tactile system.  A vibration seat cushion will be interfaced with the onboard computer of the Cadillac SRX.  By controlling the magnitude of the electrical impulses sent to each motor, and placing the motors in a defined layout the team is hopeful that the driver will be able to safely control the vehicle speed and lane position.     

Driver Control:
The Driver Control subteam is designing the way the driver controls the vehicle itself. The team also explores ways to supplement the information given to the driver by the Tactile Division with the driver's controls. Since the driver must control the car in real-time, efficient controls are a must. The team is utilizing force-feedback technology to inform the driver of necessary direction changes by giving impulse forces which are felt by the driver's hands. The team is also developing a "chauffer mode," which employs a voice command system which would provide the driver with another level of automation when desired.