IoT based Smart Walking Stick for Elderly/Disabled Peoples

Problem Statement -

Physically challenged and elderly individuals can face a wide range of challenges and barriers in their daily lives, which can significantly impact their independence, well-being, and quality of life.

There are several designs of Smart walking sticks available in the market. But they usually lacks in custom connectivity solution. I want to design IoT based Smart walking cane with following main features like - Obstacle Detection, Fall Detection, GPS Tracking, Activity Tracking, Health Monitoring (Heart Rate + SPO2) and Emergency SOS Button/Panic button.

Proposed Solution -

Basically I want to design system which make Simple walking stick to Smart "connected" Walking Stick. Features which want to include in this project are -

• Obstacle Detection: Ultrasonic Sensors or cameras on the Walking Stick could help detect obstacles or hazards in the user's path and provide alerts to avoid potential collisions.
• Fall Detection: A smart walking stick may be equipped with MEMS sensors that can detect sudden movements or changes in orientation indicative of a fall. Upon detection, it could automatically send alerts (Text messages) to predefined contacts for assistance.
• GPS Tracking: Integrated GPS technology can allow the user's location (Coordinates) to be tracked in real-time. This feature can be helpful for caregivers or family members to monitor the user's movements and provide support if needed.
• Activity Tracking – fitness tracker, this will be an application for monitoring and tracking fitness-related metrics such as distance walked or run, calorie consumption etc. (MEMS accelerometer for counting steps)
• Health Monitoring: The walking stick will incorporate health monitoring capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring, oxygen level SPO2 monitoring, to provide users with insights into their physical well-being.
• Emergency SOS Button: An emergency panic button on the Walking stick could be pressed to call for help in case of an emergency or medical situation.

So, In order to include all above features in project we need such compatible and feature rich Hardware. This requirement got solved by following amazing event and by its organizers and sponsors.

#Build2gether Inclusive Innovation Challenge 2023

This amazing contest is organized by Hackster and supported by ETH Zurich, Blues, Google, M5Stack, PCBWay and Useful Sensors. With the theme of 'To identify gaps in current solutions and design cutting-edge technologies that address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. And to build some innovative solutions to help individuals with disabilities overcome their daily struggles.

I would like to Thank #Hackster and #Blues for organizing such amazing contest, and sponsoring and supporting my Idea with Blues Wireless Hardware Kit.

Inspiration -

I came across one project, product - SmartCane device designed for visually challenged peoples. This project was researched and assisted by IIT Delhi. Smartcane was conceptualized in May 2005 and It took alsmost 10 years (2014) to improve design, translation research, validation field trials, Certifications and finalize their products.

Above product consist of features which typically designed to cater the needs of visually challenged peoples, such as Obstacle Detection, Collision avoidance and ergonomically convenient design. I want to design Walking stick which will not only used as support for elderly peoples but also keep them connected to their caretakers.

*(Project is still under development)*