A carbon guide dog handle, produced by Refitech Carbon Components for the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation (KNGF), has been picked as one of the finalists in the ‘Sports & Healthcare’ Category for a JEC 2019 Innovation Award.
This new handle, that weighs less than 50% of the previous metal version, significantly improves the comfort for both the guide dog and the owner.
“We are absolutely proud that our product has been chosen as one of the finalists,” said Arthur Cooijmans, CEO of Refitech. ‘It is now up to the international jury to determine if we are the winner in our category, which will be announced during the Awards Ceremony, on the 2nd day of JEC World.”
Refitech’s lightweight carbon handle is part of a new guide dog harness, specially developed for KNGF. The design incorporates several novel features inspired by motor sports and kite surfing equipment. Once mounted on the harness, the carbon handle ‘floats’ above the dog’s back, making it easier to locate for the owner. The stiffness of the design also improves the signalling of directions, vital as the guide dog helps its owner to navigate obstacles and through traffic.
