Samsung have teamed up with Cheil Spain to create the first swim cap that automatically alerts blind swimmers to turn around or arrive at the finish line via Bluetooth technology.

Paralympic swimming has existed for 56 years, but Cheil’s video laments the fact that the discipline has been rigid to change. The current method involves stewards hitting the swimmer’s back or head as they approach the end of their lane, which is not only rudimentary, but dependent on the official’s stretch and timing.

The Blind Cap aims to eliminate this problem. The device, developed in collaboration with the Spanish Paralympic Committee, vibrates gently when the swimmer’s coach sends a signal through a smartwatch or mobile. The cap also also collects data during training.

Cheil Spain’s creative director Breno Cotta said that the technology has been put to great use by Samsung.

“Blind Cap is an innovation that builds upon one of Samsung’s core values, which is ‘meaningful progress through technology”, he said.

“It’s much more than a wearable, it serves as a standard of innovation and we are convinced that it will soon be a reality in the Paralympic Games. It is a winning lap for Paralympic swimming.”

Cheil Worldwide’s global chief creative officer Malcolm Poynton said they were excited to be at the forefront of sports technology.

“We believe mobile is central to how brands connect with consumers today. As a network, we’re excited to continue leading the way, with Blind Cap being yet another example of how we’re innovating with Samsung’s mobile technologies to help improve everyday life.”

Like Puma’s “Raceable Robot” – released last week – the device is currently only available for elite athletes. Check out the video here:

Digital Sport is the official social media partners of SportHackTag, the only event in Europe specifically focused on digital innovation in sports, being held at the Emirates Stadium in North London on the 24^th and 25^th of May 2016. For more information, visit them here