DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTELLIGENT AND MULTI-SENSORY ASSISTIVE WALKING STICK FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Abstract

Navigation in unfamiliar or crowded environments poses significant safety challenges for visually impaired individuals, often leading to collisions or falls. This research presents the Design and Implementation of an Intelligent and Multi-Sensory Assistive Walking Stick, an embedded system engineered to enhance the autonomy and safety of the user. The system integrates an Arduino-based microcontroller with a suite of sensors to provide a comprehensive spatial awareness framework. Specifically, ultrasonic sensors are utilized for long-range obstacle detection, Infrared (IR) sensors are deployed to monitor ground-level changes such as stairs or potholes, and a moisture sensor is integrated at the base to detect hazardous wet surfaces. The intelligence of the device lies in its real-time data processing, which categorizes hazards based on proximity and elevation. Feedback is delivered through a dual-mode notification system consisting of variable-frequency haptic vibrations and auditory cues, allowing the user to differentiate between distant obstacles and immediate dangers. Experimental results demonstrate a detection accuracy of 95% for obstacles within a 2m range and a response latency of less than 100 ms, significantly reducing navigation errors compared to traditional aids. This research concludes that the multi-sensory approach significantly improves navigation confidence and reduces the physical risks associated with traditional white canes.