Automakers' Tech Transfer A By Robert E. Calem Automakers' research and development efforts don't just benefit the auto industry. Besides their highprofile work to integrate the creations of CT firms and app publishers in vehicles, they have forged partnerships to share engineering and design prowess outside their normal business spheres and the beneficiaries range from blind and visually impaired people to pharmaceutical researchers and astronauts. The Audi Lunar Quattro 30 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 In many of the undertakings, automakers' goals have centered on helping people. Case in point: Toyota's Project BLAID is developing a wearable device that helps blind and visually impaired people virtually see and navigate around their surroundings. While Toyota is an automotive company, "we think of ourselves as I T I S I N N O VAT I O N COURTESY OF AUDI Boosting Human Abilities