Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research investigates the conception and assessment of an innovative smart vest engineered to augment the mobility and autonomy of individuals with visual impairments.Recognizing the inherent limitations of conventional aids like canes and guide dogs, which often impede navigation in intricate environments, this study proposes a smart vest integrating advanced technologies, including 3-D cameras, LiDAR, and vibration motors.The system aims to furnish real-time environmental perception and directional guidance through haptic feedback, thereby mitigating the constraints associated with existing assistive devices.The paper details the design and development of two prototypes, DW-1 and DW-2, emphasizing the technical implementation of object detection algorithms (YOLOv8), distance measurement methodologies, and predefined vibration patterns for conveying environmental cues.Rigorous empirical evaluation across diverse navigational scenarios, encompassing linear trajectories, turns, and obstacle avoidance, demonstrated the efficacy of both prototypes in facilitating user navigation, with the DW-2 variant exhibiting superior performance attributed to its enhanced sensor suite.A comprehensive review of the extant literature contextualizes the advancements in assistive technologies and delineates the specific research lacunae addressed by this investigation.The findings of this study underscore the significant potential of intelligent wearable systems to enhance the quality of life for visually impaired individuals, thereby highlighting the imperative for continued scholarly inquiry and the refinement of such technological interventions.
Authors: Keyur D. Joshi, Nakshatra Maheshwari, Harsh Patel, Priyam A. Parikh
Institutions: Ahmedabad University, Nirma University
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Ahmedabad University
Award: G468651838
OpenAlex ID: W4409840963