Development of Smart Cane - An affordable knee-above obstacle detection and warning system for the visually impaired. (360G-Wellcome-092882_A_10_Z)

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has developed a novel navigation and mobility aid for visually challenged called the Smart Cane. It complements and enhances the functionality of the traditional cane used by visually challenged. Key features of this device are: Use of directional ultrasound based ranging to detect obstacles, in front and above knee-height within a range of 3 meters which conveys obstacle information through tactile patterns of vibration that vary incrementally with changing obstacle distance. Once fully developed, this affordable device would approximately cost Rs. 2,000 INR (£ 25 to 30) to the end user. It is designed as a user-detachable unit and is powered by rechargeable Li-ion battery like a cell phone. This proposal concerns technology development and translational research of this device to be carried out jointly by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi and Phoenix Medical Systems (P) Ltd., Chennai in collaboration with Saksham Trust, New Delhi. Annexure III and Annexure IV give more details about Science 7 organizations participating in this proposal. The activities to be carried out include: Development of a field-deployable version of the product enhancing electronics, software and mechanical design. Testing of the product and conducting multi-location field trials to assess the usability of product under natural environments. Based on the user feedback and test results improvement of the product leading to regulatory approvals and certification.