Work

Towards Spatial Awareness: Real-Time Sensory Augmentation with Smart Glasses for Visually Impaired Individuals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This research presents an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to provide holistic assistance and foster autonomy for visually impaired individuals within the university environment. Its main novelty is real-time sensory augmentation and spatial awareness, integrating ultrasonic, LiDAR, and RFID sensors for robust 360° obstacle detection, environmental perception, and precise indoor localization. A novel, optimized Dijkstra algorithm calculates optimal routes; speech and intent recognition enable intuitive voice control. The wearable smart glasses are complemented by a platform providing essential educational functionalities, including lesson reminders, timetables, and emergency assistance. Based on gamified principles of exploration and challenge, the platform includes immersive technology settings, intelligent image recognition, auditory conversion, haptic feedback, and rapid contextual awareness, delivering a sophisticated, effective navigational experience. Exhaustive technical evaluation reveals that a more autonomous and fulfilling university experience is made possible by notable improvements in navigation performance, object detection accuracy, and technical capabilities for social interaction features, according to a thorough technical audit.

Source: Electronics

DOI: 10.3390/electronics14173365

Author: Nadia Aloui

Institution: University of Jeddah

Language: English

Topic: Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896