Above-the-knee obstructions detected from distance of 3m Smart canes for visually impaired

New Delhi, March 31: IIT Delhi has developed a “smart cane” that helps the visually-impaired detect above-the-knee obstructions from a distance of three metres.

Using modern sensor technology, the SmartCane enables users to detect objects in the path from three metres away.

It costs `3,000 — a fraction of the price for similar products available in global markets.

SmartCane checks the visually impaired from banging into protrusions and has helped them walk with security and confidence.

It costs 3,000 — a fraction of the price for similar products available in global markets.

“This has huge implications not only for their safety but also for their dignity. The feeling of dependence often makes people feel vulnerable about unknown surroundings,” IIT’s Assistech co-founder Rohan Paul said.

He said that the trials found that SmartCane checks the visually impaired from banging into protrusions and has helped them walk with security and confidence.

“Field test reports show that users moved independently and safely with selfconfidence using SmartCane,” he added.

More than 300 people affected by blindness were involved in the development over the last eight years. Currently, there are 150 users of SmartCane across the country.

Assistech is IIT Delhi’s Lab which works on developing affordable assistive technology solutions for the visually-impaired. It developed the technology for the cane.

Joint development was undertaken along with Phoenix Medical Systems, Chennai and Saksham Charitable Trust, Delhi to make this product a reality.

“We saw the difficulty of walking with the white cane, particularly when there are over hanging branches and raised signboards that cause injuries to the chest and face. Our objective was to develop a solution at an affordable cost,” Paul said. —PTI