Obstacle-Detecting Cane Prototype

This prototype grew out of an interview with visually impaired people during our competition team’s research project. It is a small box that clips onto a cane. An ultrasonic sensor detects obstacles at waist height, and a vibration motor pulses faster as the obstacle gets closer.

The process

In the interview students learned that the cane itself detects obstacles on the ground, while the device should detect those at waist height, so they changed the sensor angle. The prototype was tested in the academy corridor with blindfolded volunteers, and vibration timings were readjusted based on their feedback.

The project received a commendation from the judges in the research category of the team’s season presentation. To extend battery life the team added an accelerometer so the sensor only runs while the cane is moving. Tests showed about 9 hours of use on a single charge. The team wrapped up by writing thank-you letters to the volunteers who gave feedback.