Mapbox partner Haptic, a trailblazer in tactile navigation technology, has been named a shortlist finalist in the prestigious Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards. The HapticNav app is nominated in the “Tech4Good - Best Use of Mobile for Accessibility & Inclusion” category. The GLOMO Award winners will be announced at MWC Barcelona 2025, the largest and most influential connectivity event in the world, on March 3-6 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.

At MWC Barcelona, Mapbox will also showcase leading and essential mapping and location technology solutions designed to modernize network operations. To connect with Mapbox at MWC in March, visit the event page.

Celebrating innovation for accessibility 

The GLOMO Awards “Tech4Good” category honors universal design and innovation in the vital development of mobile products, applications, services, devices and other initiatives and projects that enhance accessibility and inclusivity for billions of people afflicted with disabilities, both physical and mental impairments, as well as older users.

Haptic is a pioneer in tactile navigation technology, enabling the delivery of information through touch-based feedback. Their patented flagship product, the HapticNav SDK, utilizes vibrational feedback to intuitively guide users to their destinations, ensuring accessibility for all. In 2017, Haptic made history by empowering the first blind runner to complete a marathon without a guide or tether, making history with the advancement of assistive technology. Their ongoing commitment to changing the world has since impacted thousands of lives worldwide, firmly establishing their legacy as catalysts for positive change in navigation. Haptic works with leading technology and ride-sharing giants worldwide to transform navigation into an unparalleled user experience, surpassing the capabilities of traditional maps with seamless, safe, and exceptionally user-friendly navigation.

“The need for accessibility in navigation solutions has become increasingly vital, and Haptic remains committed to enhancing the navigation experience for all, regardless of ability, language or age. Being named a GLOMO Awards shortlist finalist reaffirms our mission to make inclusive mobility a global reality, and with the long-standing support from Mapbox, we continue to advance accessible navigation for everyone.” — Kevin Yoo, CEO & co-founder of Haptic

Recognized for its HapticNav solution, Haptic enables navigation using vibrational feedback, guiding users without relying on sight or sound. Leveraging the Mapbox Navigation SDK and Directions API, Haptic is able to offer a navigation experience that is more accessible for all users, and especially those with limited vision. When a user deviates from their route, their device vibrates, intensifying when they’re 180 degrees off-course. This approach allows users to navigate hands-free, with their devices tucked away, enhancing presence and engagement with their surroundings.

“At Mapbox, we believe in continuous innovation to redefine what’s possible in navigation. The recognition of Haptic as a GLOMO Awards shortlist finalist is a testament to how our partners and customers are innovating with location technologies. We are proud to stand with Haptic in making mobility safer and more inclusive for all.” — Cherie Wong, SVP of Location Services, Mapbox 

Mapbox at MWC Barcelona 

At MWC Barcelona, Mapbox will showcase solutions that enable major telecommunications organizations like T-Mobile and Verizon to modernize their network operations, enable consumer IoT services, and advance enterprise IoT solutions. Mapbox delivers various business benefits to telcos, including providing best-in-class coverage maps, optimizing 5G deployment to save time and money, and enhancing location intelligence for connected applications.

Mapbox enables the integration of advanced location monitoring applications that enhance real-time tracking, geofencing and safety alerts for consumers and businesses. These solutions empower telcos to offer value-added services, such as family tracking apps, enterprise fleet management and location-based customer engagement. With these innovations, Mapbox supports telcos in predicting network outages, managing location-focused IoT solutions that drive additional revenue, optimizing field engineering routing, and delivering seamless, real-time location intelligence.

To connect with Mapbox at MWC Barcelona to learn more about Mapbox solutions and location services, visit the event page.