IOT-BASED SMART BLIND STICK WITH LOCATION & OBSTACLE DETECTION

Abstract

Visually impaired individuals face significant challenges in navigating their surroundings safely and independently. Traditional white canes provide basic obstacle detection but lack advanced features such as remote monitoring and emergency location sharing. This project proposes an IoT-based smart blind stick designed to enhance mobility and safety for visually impaired users.

The system is built around the ESP32 microcontroller integrated with an ultrasonic sensor for obstacle detection and a water sensor for identifying wet surfaces. A GPS module is used to obtain real-time location information. When the blind stick is powered on, the device automatically connects to Wi-Fi and sends an activation message to a predefined Telegram account. Additionally, when the user double-taps the switch, the current GPS location is transmitted via Telegram, enabling caregivers to track the user during emergencies.

The proposed solution is portable, low-cost, and easy to operate. By combining sensing, IoT connectivity, and real-time communication, the smart blind stick significantly improves the safety, confidence, and independence of visually impaired individuals.