International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Dr. Pankaj Malik, Mudita Sharma, Kabir Jaiswal, Ayush Modi, Priyansh Jain
Abstract: This research presents the design and implementation of a smart blind stick aimed at improving the mobility and safety of visually impaired individuals through automated navigation, obstacle detection, and ditch recognition. The system integrates ultrasonic sensors to detect frontal and lateral obstacles, infrared sensors to identify sudden drops such as ditches or stair edges, and a GPS module for real-time navigation. A microcontroller processes the sensor data and triggers feedback mechanisms including a vibration motor and buzzer to alert the user. The prototype was tested in both indoor and outdoor environments with varied terrain and object placements. Experimental results show that the system achieved an obstacle detection accuracy of 98% for static objects and 91% for moving obstacles. Ditch detection was successful in 95% of test cases, while GPS-based navigation delivered 93% accuracy in open environments. The average system response time ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 seconds, offering real-time feedback and effective user alerts. The results confirm the system’s effectiveness in enhancing mobility, reducing accident risk, and promoting independent navigation for visually impaired users.
