A Novel Affordable Assistive Mobility Aid for the Visually Impaired

Abstract: Of the 8 billion people alive today, over a billion suffer from some level of vision impairment, with 43 million being fully blind. This paper focuses on the millions of people who lack access to affordable assistive devices. Most visually impaired individuals, particularly those in low- and middle-income regions, rely on traditional aids like canes due to the high cost and limited availability of alternative solutions. The paper presents a field-tested, cost-effective and inconspicuous assistive mobility device designed to aid visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings safely. The device employs an ultrasonic sensor, microcontroller, rechargeable battery, and buzzer to detect obstacles within a specific range and provide auditory alerts to the user. Through rigorous lab testing and real-world validation, the device’s effectiveness in detecting obstacles and guiding users was demonstrated. Its affordability, simplicity, and inconspicuous design make it a promising solution for enhancing the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals worldwide. Future upgrades aim to extend the device's operational time, reduce its size, and implement voice recommendations based on detected obstacles