Analysis of Smart Walking Sticks for Visually Impaired People

In a world aspiring towards inclusivity, technology emerges as a powerful tool in addressing challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. This research pioneers the development of a smart walking stick meticulously designed to empower people who are blind, combining innovative hardware components with sophisticated software solutions. Leveraging the capabilities of a Raspberry Pi 3B+ as its foundation, this smart walking stick integrates proximity sensors, a camera module, and a global positioning system (GPS) to create a multifaceted aid catering to the diverse needs of visually impaired individuals. The primary objective of this research is to redefine the traditional walking aid into an intelligent, context-aware companion. The walking stick dynamically detects obstacles in the user's path through precise proximity sensors, providing real-time auditory alerts. Building upon this, a sophisticated camera module equipped with machine learning (ML) algorithms identifies and communicates environmental elements to the user via earphones. Additionally, integrating a GPS module offers outdoor navigation guidance and contextualizes object detection, ensuring that the information relayed remains relevant to the user's specific location and surroundings. This amalgamation of cutting-edge technology aims to assist navigation and enrich the user's spatial awareness and independence.