Young innovators from Uzbekistan develop Smart Cane for people with visual impairments
Young innovators from Uzbekistan develop Smart Cane for people with visual impairments
Three family Qarshiyeva members, Mashhurbek, Abdumalik and Mukharram, recently developed a device that directly attaches to the traditional cane, transforming it into an innovative smart cane.
Driven by empathy for the people with visual impairment in their neighborhood, these young innovators from Termez, Surkhandarya, teamed together and formed the HFTB team of UNICEF’s UPSHIFT programme.
UPSHIFT is a youth social innovation and social entrepreneurship programme, designed to build skills and opportunities for young people who are disadvantaged, due to poverty, gender, disability or ethnicity.
This programme is critical in these parts where some of the most vulnerable young people are found. Surkhandarya is a region facing socioeconomic challenges, with a significant portion of its population in need of employment. According to the latest data, the economically active population in Surkhandarya is 1,108,000, with 101,500 individuals in need of employment. The unemployment rate stands at 9.2%.
Supported by the Khokimiyat of Surkhandarya region, European Union and ‘Istiqbolli Avlod’ Republican Social Information Center, the programme empowers young people with the skills and resources they need to identify problems in their own communities and design solutions for them.
Mashhurbek has always been curious about how things work, and this competition provided a great opportunity for him to apply his skills to help others.
The technology aims to enhance the independence of visually impaired individuals, enabling their full participation in society. It incorporates a voice assistant, accelerometer, and compass, with ongoing updates introducing additional features.
Abdumalik explains, "We utilized various sensors for our project, the electronic speaking smart cane, including ultrasonic sensors for detecting obstacles." The team's invention communicates with users, providing warnings about obstacles, and helps others identify the user by lighting up in the dark.
This innovative cane, the first of its kind in Uzbekistan, employs ultrasonic ranging technology to detect obstacles within a 1-2 meter range, alerting the user through vibrations and sound. GPS functionality identifies the user's location and aids in tracking the smart cane if misplaced. Reflectors on the cane signal to other road users that assistance is needed.
Muharram emphasizes, "Everyone deserves to be treated equally, and discrimination is something people create. Let's work together to make sure everyone is treated fairly in our community and beyond."
Abdumalik shares his hopes, "There is no limit to the ambition of youth in Uzbekistan when given trust and opportunity. We aspire to inspire others and be the voice of change for a better future for all."
The Smart Cane is anticipated to revolutionize the lives of the visually impaired, providing increased mobility independence, fostering confidence, dignity, and enabling broader social and economic engagement.
