Assistive Technology for Enhancing Accessibility in Public Spaces for Individuals with Visual Impairments.
Our Solution is a portable device that is equipped with a fusion of sensors and innovative technology. It helps people with visual impairment navigate public spaces with safety and ease. The device is able to detect any obstacles on the path and assist the user with navigation through audio feedback. The navigation system provides directions and real-time information
The stick has been developed in conjunction with the students of the Blind School – understanding their challenges and improvising the model to help make a difference in their day to day lives.
The device has been gifted to the visually impaired students in October 2023
Back in 2019, Team Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, a high school robotics team from New Delhi, India, was tasked with ideating a solution to increase accessibility in urban cities, for a competition (FIRST Lego League) that they were participating in. Unfortunately due to covid the competition was cancelled. However as a team, they decided to continue working on the project even after the competition. They desperately wanted to see the solution have a genuine impact on the world and improve the lives of as many individuals.
After 4 years of consistent workshopping and prototyping, as well as regular meetings and feedback sessions with students from the Institution for the Blind in Amar Colony Delhi; the final version of Project Louis was developed.
Providing a Sense of Empowerment
Jai was very passionate about Louis and
wanted to continue to build more and enhance the product. The Blind School requested for
more sticks as the children were using them and it helped in their mobility and
significantly contributed to their independence. In 2024, Jai raised money through crowd
funding. He developed 15 sticks and distributed it to the children at the Blind School.
At the FLL National competition, Project Louis received the “Innovation and Research” award. The team qualified to represent India at the FLL International competition, to be held in Japan and was to present Project Louis there. Unfortunately due to covid the competition was cancelled.
The first version was made from Lego blocks as a part of the competition.
The team worked on various iterations to make the product user friendly.
The final product has been made more compact and easy to use in daily life.
15 more enhanced sticks were developed post request from the Blind School.
Louis has garnered the attention of a prominent news company “ANI News”, who recognize its innovative features and potential to revolutionize the industry.
We would love to hear from you – especially if you have ideas on how we can improve the cause. Or tell us if we are going wrong somewhere – we take criticism with a pinch of salt. Please fill up the form to reach out to us or if you would like to contribute by either volunteering to teach / donate a small amount for purchase of a robotic kit.
Thank your for reaching out to us. We will get back to you shortly.
