Navigating the Unseen: Proposing an IoT-Based Smart Shoe with Obstacle Detection for the Visually Impaired
Kavita Arora, Sonal Pathak, Suhail Javed Quraishi, Anupam Singh, Malikhan Singh, Danish Ather
Abstract
Navigating daily life remains a substantial challenge for the visually impaired, despite technological advancements. This paper presents an IoT-based Smart Shoe equipped with ultrasonic sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to detect obstacles, providing real-time feedback to enhance navigation. The system communicates with a mobile application to offer auditory or haptic alerts, focusing on reliability, comfort, and affordability. Tested across varied terrains and lighting conditions, the prototype showed strong performance and accuracy. Visually impaired participants in trials reported increased mobility and independence. The paper also explores potential integration with navigation tools such as GPS and ethical considerations like user privacy. “Navigating the Unseen” showcases the potential of technology in creating a more inclusive future for the visually impaired, emphasizing human centered design.