Owner & Collaborators

License

Bhutan Makerthon : Mr. Pema Chhogyel-Smart Cane by FablabShinagawa, p-zA-Z0-9, Yesh, TenzinYonten, DawaSeldon, ngawang-zangphel, ngawang-zangphel, Dawa-Zangpo, chapagaikk is licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution license.

Summary

The event aimed to address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly focusing on enhancing mobility and independence for visually impaired individuals. The team collaborated with the sight-impaired Mr. Pema Chhogyel, who works with "policy, education, advocacy and different programs for person with disabilities in Bhutan." He wants to use a sensor-equipped smart cane capable of identifying obstacles along the walking path.

Recipe (7)

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Making

About the Need Knower
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Mr. Pema Chhogyel, a visually impaired person, who lost vision at the age of three.

Working actively in his role, he advocate and oversee programs related to inclusive and special education.

He seeks a solution; a smart cane project
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- Background
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  He is currently serving at Ministry of Education and Skill Development for Special Education Purpose.
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- Characteristics
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  Need Knower embodies a proactive, engaging, and independent approach, leveraging passion to drive in assistive technology for the visually impaired.
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- Individuals involved in the Production
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  Kamal K Chapagai
  Ngawang Zangphel
  Dawa Zangpo
  Chimi Yesh Lhaden
  Tenzin Yonten
  Pelden Wangchuck
  Dawa Seldon
  Punam Subba
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Refined Targeted Activity
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- Targeted Activity
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  Daily commuting from home to the office and vice versa.
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- Why the activity is difficult now?
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  The need knower faces challenges due to obstacles such as walls, people, animals, and drains. These obstacles make independent navigation difficult, posing risks of accidents.
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Things to be shared within the team
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-The need knowledge specific needs, preferences, and challenges.

- The importance of customization of design and dimension for the cane to suit user height and preferences.

- Integration of sensors (Two ultrasonic and one PIR) for obstacle detection.
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Points to focus on in production
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-Proper anthropometry including customizable length up to chest height.

- Collapsible or folding design for portability.

- Using wood as cane material.

- Attachment at the top with sensors to prevent collisions.
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References
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- Research on existing smart canes in the market.

- Case studies of successful assistive technology implementations.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/An-affordable-device-to-aid-mobility-for-the-visually-impaired
https://virtuemarketresearch.com/report/smart-cane-walking-stick-market
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Processes Involved
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- Discovery and Needs Assessment
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  The team conducted interviews with the need knower to gain valuable insights into the challenges confronted by visually impaired individuals. These interactions informed the team about the specific requirements for enhanced mobility aids.
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- Conceptualization and Design
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  Through brainstorming sessions, the team generated ideas for the cane's design and sensor functionalities, aiming to address the needs.
  
  Idea: the cane with advanced ultrasonic and PIR sensors, utilizes obstacle detection features, empowering individuals navigate their environment.
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- Encountering Challenges
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  Various obstacles, such as time limitations and resource scarcity, emerged during the project's execution, impeding the realization of the product's full potential. Despite these challenges, the team actively looked for resolutions.
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- Prototype
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  -The team used Tinkercad, and created a sensor holder case.
  -With 3-D printing machine, the case was materialised.
  - Integration of TinyML and sensors into the attachment.
  - Fixation of the attachment to the Wooden cane.
  
  Prototype files:
  TinyML
  Sensor Holder Case
  Upper Holder Case
  Lower Holder Case
  
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Future Plans
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- Continued testing and refinement based on feedback.

- Collaboration with special education programs and organizations.

- Consideration of thin film solar plates for recharging.

-Exploration of animal, person, wall, and drain differentiation in obstacle detection with TinyML.
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References

Usages

The smart cane project provides visually impaired individuals with a reliable mobility aid featuring obstacle detection.The project promotes independence and accessibility, aligning with efforts to create inclusive spaces for all members of society.

Bhutan Makerthon : Mr. Pema Chhogyel-Smart Cane

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