Development of a Smart Walking Stick for Blind Persons
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46610/JoETSE.2026.v03i02.003Keywords:
Arduino, Assistive technology, GPS tracking, IoT, Obstacle detection, Smart walking stick, Ultrasonic sensor, Visual impairmentAbstract
Visual impairment is a global health challenge that significantly restricts the independence and mobility of affected individuals. Traditional white canes, while widely used, are limited in their ability to detect non-ground-level obstacles or provide real-time navigational assistance. This study presents the design, development, and evaluation of a Smart Walking Stick for blind persons, an Arduino-based assistive device that integrates ultrasonic obstacle detection, vibration and audio alerts, GPS location tracking, and GSM-based emergency communication. The prototype was developed using an Arduino Nano/UNO microcontroller, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, vibrating motor, active buzzer, and a 9 V rechargeable battery unit. Testing confirmed obstacle detection accuracy of approximately 98.8% at close range (5 cm), with detection rates declining at distances beyond 3 m. User trials demonstrated that trained users achieved navigation speeds of up to 0.8 m/s compared to 0.41 m/s for untrained users. The total prototype cost was estimated between ₹1,350 and ₹2,400 (approx. USD 16–29), making the system highly affordable and scalable. Future enhancements include AI-based object recognition, multilingual voice assistance, and IoT integration for remote caregiver monitoring.
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