Smart Stick Revolutionizes Mobility for the Visually Impaired

Millions of people globally experience visual impairment, severely limiting safe and independent mobility. This paper presents the design, development, and validation of an AI-enabled smart cane integrating ultrasonic and vision-based sensing for obstacle detection and object recognition. The system combines four HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors with a camera connected to a Raspberry Pi 4B, running a custom-trained YOLOv4-tiny convolutional neural network (CNN) model to identify key navigational features such as doors, stairs, and ramps. The Arduino Mega handles low-latency ultrasonic sensing and vibration feedback, while the Pi processes visual frames and provides audio cues using an offline text-to-speech engine. In trials, the ultrasonic module achieved near-perfect obstacle detection within 1.2 m, and the vision system correctly identified trained objects under standard lighting, though accuracy declined under strong glare. Despite hardware limitations, the system effectively fuses both sensing modes to alert users via haptic and voice feedback. The paper evaluates all subsystems individually, verifying sensor accuracy, object detection reliability, and thermal performance under continuous load. This research contributes a portable, affordable solution toward safer navigation for the visually impaired using real-time embedded AI.

Baby weight and length measurement system has been designed based on ultrasonic and load cell sensors with data storage using MySQL database and website interface. This research aims to produce a baby weight and length measurement system with microcontroller NodeMCU ESP32. The system is designed with an ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 and four half-bridge load cells of 50 kg. The ultrasonic sensor works on the piezoelectric and inverse piezoelectric principles, while load cell sensors work on strain gauge principles. An ultrasonic sensor measures body length, while a load cell sensor measures body weight. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia’s regulations, this system also has an LCD 20×4 to display measurement and nutritional status assessment results. The experiment used four doll objects with different lengths and weights. This research shows that the ultrasonic sensor HC-SR04 used in this research has an average error of 0.494% in length measurement. The load cell sensor and HX711 ADC used in this research has an average error of 0.949% in weight measurement. The designed system automatically assesses the nutritional status and stores the measurement result and nutritional status in the database to be displayed on the website.

The development of the shipping industry in Indonesia has continued to increase over the past 10 years due to the sabotage principle. This development can be seen from the increasing number of national vessels. The number of national vessels becomes wider from 6,041 units in 2005 to 24,046 units in 2016. The number of vessels makes monitoring the operational performance of the vessel difficult because each ship has different travel routes. This research made tools that can monitor the performance of ships especially the use of MFO aboard the ship. The sensors used to measure the volume of MFO in the tank on board are HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors and potentiometer pendulum sensors. The data from the sensor was processed by Arduino Uno microcontroller. This study would compare the performance of ultrasonic sensors and potentiometer pendulum sensors mounted on MFO oil premises. The study was conducted by measuring the position of the ship horizontally, right and left tilted with a slope level of 30 degrees and 45 degrees. The result of this research is that the potentiometer pendulum sensor was better when MFO surface condition was flat with the average of error sensor 1.60%, while HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor has an average of error for 2.87%. However, on the skewed surface conditions of MFO, the usage of HC - SR04 ultrasonic sensors was better with average of error for 3.21%, while the potentiometer pendulum sensor had an average of error for 8.66%.

Abstract: Introduction: Assistive technologies (AT) are products, equipment, devices, resources, methodologies and strategies that can be used in education to promote autonomous learning and academic success for students who have some type of disability. Objective: The objective was to analyze the AT available in medical courses in Brazil to support medical students with hearing and/or visual impairment. Methods: This is a descriptive study that used data from undergraduate medical courses participating in the Higher Education Census coordinated by Anísio Teixeira National Institute of Educational Studies and Research (Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira, INEP), in 2018. AT for students with hearing and/or visual impairment that were available in medical courses were evaluated considering the characteristics of the institution, such as the type of administration (public versus private), location (capital versus interior) and the year the course started (from the year 2000 versus before year 2000). Results: In 2018, there were 323 active medical courses in Brazil. Most of them (90%) confirmed the offer of at least one type of AT. The discipline of Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS, Linguagem Brasileira de Sinais) was the most frequently offered AT (80%) and tactile material was the least offered AT (32%). There was greater comprehensiveness of AT supply for medical students in courses with a private administration, compared to the public ones. The location and the year the course started did not influence the provision of AT in Brazil. The courses showed better AT comprehensiveness to support students with hearing impairment than those with visual impairment. Conclusion: Most medical courses supply AT for people with visual and/or hearing impairments who are medical students, but incompletely. Although the location of the course and the length of time that the course has been active did not influence AT provision, the study revealed inequalities. Medical students with visual and/or hearing impairments have access to assistive technologies especially in courses with private administration, adding more barriers to their financial possibilities, which are already sufficiently affected by the fact that they have to meet the essential needs common to people living with disabilities.

Abstract: Introduction: Assistive technologies (AT) are products, equipment, devices, resources, methodologies and strategies that can be used in education to promote autonomous learning and academic success for students who have some type of disability. Objective: The objective was to analyze the AT available in medical courses in Brazil to support medical students with hearing and/or visual impairment. Methods: This is a descriptive study that used data from undergraduate medical courses participating in the Higher Education Census coordinated by Anísio Teixeira National Institute of Educational Studies and Research (Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira, INEP), in 2018. AT for students with hearing and/or visual impairment that were available in medical courses were evaluated considering the characteristics of the institution, such as the type of administration (public versus private), location (capital versus interior) and the year the course started (from the year 2000 versus before year 2000). Results: In 2018, there were 323 active medical courses in Brazil. Most of them (90%) confirmed the offer of at least one type of AT. The discipline of Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS, Linguagem Brasileira de Sinais) was the most frequently offered AT (80%) and tactile material was the least offered AT (32%). There was greater comprehensiveness of AT supply for medical students in courses with a private administration, compared to the public ones. The location and the year the course started did not influence the provision of AT in Brazil. The courses showed better AT comprehensiveness to support students with hearing impairment than those with visual impairment. Conclusion: Most medical courses supply AT for people with visual and/or hearing impairments who are medical students, but incompletely. Although the location of the course and the length of time that the course has been active did not influence AT provision, the study revealed inequalities. Medical students with visual and/or hearing impairments have access to assistive technologies especially in courses with private administration, adding more barriers to their financial possibilities, which are already sufficiently affected by the fact that they have to meet the essential needs common to people living with disabilities.

The rise of electronic technology has transformed people's lifestyles, and they now want convenience, automation, and flexibility, including when it comes to keeping the environment clean by disposing of rubbish where it belongs. However, despite the importance of this issue, awareness of the need to dispose of waste in its proper place remains low. Additionally, garbage bin supervision in Kuripan Village is still manual, exacerbating the problem of waste accumulation caused by the increasing population. To address this issue, we developed an IoT-based system that utilizes the Fuzzy Logic method. This mathematical approach enables the modeling of uncertainty in data processing. The system allows for real-time monitoring of the garbage load level, notifying staff when action is required. The Fuzzy Logic method is then used to determine the appropriate action based on the garbage load level and the last cleaning time. This research involves developing a prototype that uses NodeMCU ESP8266, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and LCD for data monitoring. The sensor testing demonstrated an accuracy of approximately 96.7%. The system includes an application interface with a login page, main dashboard, volume dashboard, and time dashboard.

Purpose Blind spot sensor systems can improve power wheelchair (PWC) safety. This research (1) compared accuracy of obstacle detection in the rear of a wheelchair with and without a sensor system, and (2) explored cognitive task load and perceived usability, safety, confidence and awareness in a laboratory setting, and (3) PWC users’ perceptions in real-world settings. Materials and methods A mixed-method design was used. PWC users were provided with the sensor system. In laboratory accuracy of obstacle detection with and without a sensor system, cognitive task load and perceived usability, safety, confidence and awareness were evaluated. Participants then used the sensor system at home for two-months before completing semi-structured interviews. Statistical and thematic analyses were conducted. Results Among 11 PWC users (age = 67.5 ± 7.5y), obstacles were detected more accurately with sensor system than without (p < 0.001). Using the sensor system required lower cognitive task loads (p = 0.005). The system was perceived by most users as easy to use (9/11) and its capabilities meeting their requirements (8/11). Most users did not perceive safety (9/11), confidence (9/11) or increased awareness (10/11) in the laboratory. Three themes emerged in the follow-ups: perceived usefulness, barriers to use, and recommendations. Four participants reported continued use after 2 months, reporting perceived increased awareness, convenience, and independence using the system. Those who discontinued use reported perceived lack of usefulness and technical issues. Recommendations included types of users who can benefit and sensor improvements. Conclusions Sensor systems may improve obstacle detection accuracy while reducing cognitive task load. However, larger scale implementation should consider recommendations for PWC service provision. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Blind spot sensors systems increased speed and accuracy of obstacle detection when using a power wheelchair. Technical and hardware issues encountered by PWC users highlight the need for training and support services. Technical support was out of scope for the current research project and will be explored in future research given the critical role it might play in the usability and adoption of assistive technologies. PWC users perceived there to be practical uses for blind spot sensor systems.

The quality of reservoir water can deteriorate due to the accumulation of particles such as mud, sand, and microorganisms, making the water cloudy and unusable. This condition is difficult to monitor directly, especially in reservoirs located at high altitudes. This research developed a real-time IoT-based reservoir water turbidity monitoring system equipped with alarms and automatic drain features through an application. The system is designed using the ESP32 microcontroller, the SEN-0175 turbidity sensor, the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, the buzzer, the DN20 solenoid valve, and the Blynk platform. The turbidity sensor is capable of detecting increased turbidity from 2 NTU to 50 NTU. The ultrasonic sensor shows high accuracy with an average error of 0.41%. The buzzer activates automatically when the turbidity exceeds 25 NTU. The solenoid valve responds to application commands within 2 seconds. The app can display real-time data, notify, and control drainage. This system has been proven to be effective in monitoring water quality, providing early warnings, and facilitating the process of draining reservoirs.

Visually impaired individuals face significant challenges in daily life, including mobility difficulties and dependency on others for assistance. Traditional walking sticks offer limited functionality, primarily focusing on obstacle detection. To enhance independence and safety, this work proposes a smart walking stick integrated with home automation. The stick incorporates ultrasonic sensors, a buzzer, and a vibration motor to detect obstacles and potholes, alerting users through sensory feedback. Additionally, RF wireless technology enables remote control of home appliances using integrated switches on the stick. This multi-functional solution not only improves navigation but also empowers users to manage their home environment efficiently, promoting self-reliance and safety.

Human activity recognition is an important problem in health care, ambient-assisted living, surveillance-based security, etc. and has crucial applications in smart environment. A non-invasive, automated system for monitoring human activity using array of heterogeneous ultrasonic sensors has been proposed in this work. Ultrasonic sensors are widely used for distance measurement in many applications. In the proposed system experiments have been conducted using ten volunteers in a controlled laboratory environment. The data collection unit has two kinds of setups of ultrasonic sensors: the former with five HC-SR04 sensors, and the latter with four HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors and an LV-MaxSonar-EZ0 sensor. The proposed method is found capable of detecting standing, sitting and falling of a person, and also the movements in different directions. Based on the collected data, we have performed classification analysis using multiple machine learning algorithms. The experimental results show 81% to 90% correct detection of different activities of the volunteers.

The HC-Sr04 ultrasonic sensor (proximity sensor) is a widely used ultrasonic sensor, in addition to its affordable price also because of its easy use and easy installation. Ultrasonic sensors are electronic devices whose ability can convert from electrical energy into mechanical energy in the form of ultrasonic sound waves. HC-SR04 sensor is one of the ultrasonic sensors that is often used to monitor the distance of objects (objects) with sensors. This sensor consists of a series of ultrasonic transmitters called transmitters and ultrasonic receivers called receivers. The distance that can be handled ranges from 2 cm to 400 cm, with a precision level of 0.3 cm. The detection angle that can be handled is no more than 15°. The required current is not more than 2mA and the required voltage is +5V. The number of pins is 4. In this study, the authors used the fuzzy logic method to help classify the level of distance received by the sensor. Fuzzy logic is used because this method is able to determine the classification results of the received values, according to what is needed by the distance measuring device with this ultrasonic sensor.

Introduction For practicing teachers of students with visual impairments, assistive technology has assumed an important role in the education of their students’ assessment and learning of content. Little research has addressed this area; therefore, the purpose of the study presented here was to identify the teachers’ self-reported possession of knowledge of and skills in assistive technology. Method The participants completed an online survey rating their level of expertise in assistive technology. The researchers used descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation coefficients. Results In total, 840 teachers of students with visual impairments in the United States, Palau, and the Virgin Islands completed an online survey to identify their perceived level of mastery of assistive technology competencies. Regarding the participants’ confidence in teaching and supporting the use of assistive technology for students with visual impairments, 40.7% of the participants were confident or very confident, whereas 59.3% reported no to some confidence. In addition, the younger teachers were relatively more confident in teaching assistive technology than were the older teachers. Specifically, the participants felt the least confident with the foundations domain of assistive technology and the most confident with collaboration. Discussion The results describe teachers’ self-perceptions and pinpoint areas for further intervention and dialogue. Personnel preparation programs and in-service training programs can concentrate on these specific areas of assistive technology to improve teachers’ levels of confidence with assistive technology domains. Collaborating to create systemic, national interventions is crucial for improving educational and vocational outcomes for all individuals with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners First, given the findings of the study, it is recommended that all university programs develop a course on assistive technology, as well as embed assistive technology competencies in their training curricula. Second, research is needed to explore further what universities are currently doing to address assistive technology in their curricula. Finally, professional organizations should provide ongoing in-service training in assistive technology for practicing teachers of students with visual impairments.

This paper mainly describes the IoT's scope in the smart farming field and its applications. The main aspiration of the proposed system is to develop a robot that gives a helping hand to farmers by reducing the labor work by implementing the multi-doing tasks like plowing, seed sowing, rolling, cutting, and harvesting, which require a massive amount of human resources. The robot is also developed to check for the soil moisture and water level using their respective sensors for better crop yield. The ESP8266 nodeMCU is used along with a variety of sensors to monitor the actions on the field and the factors influencing it. A Blynk app which is a mobile application is used to remotely control and monitor the field and help in the management and control of the robot in the farm field.

The monitoring system for temperature, humidity and air pressure in the electron accelerator’s room has been designed. This research is based on operational environmental monitoring procedures in the accelerator room that must be carried out before the accelerator operates. We offer a simple and adaptable monitoring solution for the electron accelerator room. Parameter data can be monitored using a smart device. Operators do not need to go into the accelerator room to carry out environmental monitoring. The proposed system uses Arduino technology and the Internet of Things (IoT). Data acquisition programming was performed using Arduino IDE and ESP8266 NodeMCU as microcontrollers. The microcontroller then transmits temperature, humidity, and pressure data parameters to the cloud server, where they are then displayed on the smart device via the Blynk app. The results show that the system that has been designed is able to read and store parameter readings on the sensors used and the system has been able to make decisions in the form of notifications about whether the Electron Beam Machine is ready or not to be operated.

Assistive technology (AT) helps make the curriculum accessible to students with visual impairments. Studies have shown that half of these students are using assistive technologies. The purpose of this study was to seek a better understanding of the various factors related to assistive technology use by students with visual impairments in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Through the use of the online survey provider, Survey Monkey™, an invitation to participate in the Assistive Technology Use by Students with Visual Impairments (ATSVI) survey was sent to a list of all TVIs teaching in Kentucky. Of 117 invited participants, 71% responded and 62% of the questionnaires met the criteria of inclusion. Demographic data were gathered on the TVIs, including years of experience, degrees obtained, caseload size, size and type of employing district (residential or non-residential) and the extent and areas of AT training. Teachers also provided data about their student AT use, including the extent of low and high-tech use according to the student's primary learning media. Additionally, TVIs provided AT funding source data. Significant correlation was not found between the size of employing district, years of teaching experience, level of education, specific areas of AT training and the extent of assistive technology use. Significant negative correlation was found between TVI caseload size and the extent of AT use. Significant positive correlation was found between the amount of overall AT training and the extent of AT use. Several conclusions were made from the study's results. To increase assistive technology use by students with visual impairments, 1) TVIs should be encouraged to seek more AT training and AT providers should consider developing more on-line training, 2) training should be developed in specific AT areas according to TVIs surveyed needs, 3) TVI caseload sizes need to be smaller, and 4) TVIs need to be familiar with the large array of funding sources available for AT.