Boost for Visually Impaired
Two students from the University of the South Pacific (USP) designed an assistive technology for the visually impaired as part of their final year electrical and electronic engineering project.
Salveen Siva Deo and Shahil Shanal Prasad were inspired by their families to enrol in four years of studies in field of electrical and electronics.
As part of their final project, they used pre-trained computer vision (CV) models and an object detection algorithm to allow the blind to hear what the sighted usually see.
The duo represented the university at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest, Robocon 2022 where the team won the “Tokyo Electron Award”
The project’s idea was provided by their lecturer, Dr Sheikh Izzal Azid. Mr Deo had been interested in his study field and was determined to succeed.
“When the final year project list was made available on the USP
Moodle, I browsed through the project ideas and this idea caught my attention. I immediately called my project partner and discussed with him to choose that idea.
“The advancements in technology over the years have led to many improvements in the lives of disadvantaged communities such as the handicapped. One such group being the visually impaired, have recently been given focus as the field of artificial intelligence and computer vision grows,” he said.
Mr Prasad said in accordance with the project’s scope, they designed
an object detecting device capable of relaying the detected objects via in-ear speakers so that a visually impaired individual may be made aware of obstacles faced along their path.
“I had always been hands on kind of person, however this course required knowing a lot of theory. I stayed in the competition with other students by changing my studying style so that it catered for the main theory aspect and by excelling in all the practical aspects,” said Mr Prasad.
He said growing up he had always
dreamt of studying engineering, and completing the final project made him feel proud of himself.
“Engineering is known to be a very ruthless and difficult field. I am glad and thankful for the university for providing the opportunity for Pacific Island students to undertake an internationally recognised programme locally.
They acknowledged their lecturer Dr Sheikh Azid for his continuous support throughout their studies.e