Design and Construction of a Smart Walking Stick for Impaired Sight Individuals

Student: Racheal Remilekun Oludare (Project, 2025)
Department of Computer Engineering Technology
Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State

Abstract

Visual impairment and blindness present significant challenges to mobility and independence. Traditional aids such as white canes are limited in scope. This project focuses on the design and construction of a Smart Walking Stick that integrates ultrasonic, infrared (IR), and water sensors to detect obstacles, potholes, and water hazards. Real-time feedback is provided through auditory and vibration alerts via a microcontroller-based system using the Arduino Nano. Tests showed that the ultrasonic sensor reliably detected obstacles up to 60 cm, the IR sensor identified potholes from 12 cm, and the water sensor responded accurately to contact with water. The Smart Walking Stick offers an affordable solution for improving navigation and safety for visually impaired individuals, with potential enhancements such as improved sensor sensitivity and GPS navigation in future iterations.

Keywords
smart walking stick visually impaired ultrasonic sensor infrared sensor Arduino Nano assistive technology obstacle detection water sensor mobility aid navigation safety
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