2025 STEAM EXPO

The Judges Committee has awarded this submission EXCELLENCE IN REAL WORLD STEAM CHALLENGE

PROJECT SUMMARY

How can we implement Arduino and 3D Printing to help the blind?

We developed a product designed specifically for visually impaired people: a cane equipped with an Arduino board on top, a distance sensor and a sound emitter. This cane is able to measure the distance to nearby objects and emit a sound alert to inform the user of their proximity.

WHY?

To address the issue of improving the quality of life of visually impaired people, we use digital fabrication technologies. We developed a functional prototype with the aim of implementing it in society. In the STEAM LAB context, we asked ourselves the question: How can we use technology effectively to help those who need it most in our community?

HOW?

First, we designed the 3D prototype in Tinkercad based on the measurements of the plates and sensors. Then, we printed it with a 3D printer using biodegradable materials. Next, we connected the distance and sound sensors to the Arduino board, which is powered by a 9v battery, and programmed the sensor functionality to generate alerts. Finally, we assembled the board to the 3D printed prototype and mounted everything on the cane.

WHAT?

We implemented the approach called Design Thinking, dividing the creation process into steps such as: Problem Analysis, Solution Design, Prototyping, Testing and Final Improvements. This helped us to identify our mistakes and improve the quality and functionality of the prototype created.

SO WHAT?

Simply put, the limited availability of affordable products on the market prompted us to create an innovative, efficient and cost-effective solution. Our results demonstrate that digital manufacturing not only broadens access to these solutions, but also makes them more affordable for everyone.

WHAT'S NEXT?

There are several ways to improve a project, and most of the correctable errors are in the original design we used. Although the current fit is not the most optimal, it fulfills the required function for the cane. Therefore, improving this design would be a viable solution. In addition, we could add acetate to the design to prevent possible problems caused by water. It would also be possible to implement Artificial Sight by incorporating a camera into the board and using the distance sensor to identify objects. This would allow us to issue more accurate and efficient alerts that can communicate or tag the detected object.

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The project was part of our own science exhibit and the topic was Tikun Olam (Repair the world). Most of our classmates were doing environmental related things so we decided to make a plan that would help the people. This gave us the idea to make a device that gave out an easy to tell sign of when he was going to walk into an obstacle. We started our research and ended up finding a report on Murillo Cordoba’s and Serna Franco’s 2017 prototype of a smart cane for the visually impaired. The report was a prototype of the cane and it helped give us a base for this project. Furthermore we would like to acknowledge our STEAM teacher Richar Nuñez, he gave us his time and helped provide all necessary materials and tools for the project.

Murillo Cordoba, O. A., & Serna Franco, C. A. (2017). Prototipo de bastón inteligente para personas con limitación visual.

JUDGES FEEDBACK

The Project, a cane for visually impaired individuals, is both innovative and impactful. By integrating an Arduino board with a distance sensor and a sound emitter, you have created a device that significantly enhances the safety and independence of its users. The cane's ability to detect nearby objects and alert the user with sound provides a practical solution to navigate their surroundings more confidently. This project showcases your technical skills and your commitment to using STEAM education to address real-world challenges.Congrats!! The next step wil be to design the product and make it availble in the market.

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