Bengaluru: 13-yr-old develops smart stick for the blind
The device, still in the nascent stage, was recently presented at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) open day.
Bengaluru: Many of us would have witnessed how the visually challenged people struggle to cross the road. And not every time they get the help of Good Samaritans.
Now 13-year-old Saisoham has developed a 'smart stick for the blind' which has technological features which uses sound waves to warn the ones using the stick on the objects in front of them, help them navigate to using Google maps and other features.
The device, still in the nascent stage, was recently presented at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) open day, NIAS held ALCHEMY 2019 exhibition.
Sharing details of his project Saisoham said, "In the initial model I was working with an infra-red sensor which worked only in the presence of light. This would not be of much help for blind people as they will not be able to use this stick during the night. One of my peers in the ALC suggested that I switch to the ultrasonic sensor which works by using sound waves."
He said that he thought of making a technologically enhanced stick for the visually challenged by visiting a blind school and had asked them to suggest what features they would like on their stick. He says of the many suggestions he received he has incorporated some of them.
Saisoham's project was among other interesting projects like voice-controlled car, 3D designing and prototyping, effects of ragas and chants on humans, fog warning systems, circadian rhythm in humans and efficient carbon sequestration using photosynthesis all designed by children between the age of 11 and 14 years.
Dr Anitha Kurup, who heads the programme - Education for the Gifted and Talented at NIAS (EGT-NIAS) said that Gifted and Talented Program has come a long way as nearly a decade of intensive research and taking into account critical perspectives on Gifted Education has resulted in the programme's growth and evolution.
She said that the Advanced Learning Centers (ALCs) are running successfully in NIAS partner schools, which provide advanced training in key disciplinary areas not only for privileged children but is inclusive of children from underprivileged schools from the neighbourhood.