Alt Vision is an innovative smart wearable assistive device designed to enhance mobility and awareness for Visually Impaired Individuals, Individuals suffering from anxiety, Bikers, Elderly individuals or just anyone who wants to feel safe in their environment . It consists of a wristband and headband system equipped with ultrasonic sensors and vibration feedback, enabling users to navigate their environment safely. The inspiration for Altvision came from our desire to address a United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) while meeting our project requirements.
– Our mission: To create a world where sight loss does not limit independence, empowering users to navigate with ease.
– Our vision: With alt vision we plan for a future where assistive technology is seamlessly integrated into daily life, allowing our target audience to navigate their environments with ease, independence, and dignity
Let's Discover
AltVision
Innovation Fest 2025
About AltVision
UN SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Empowered and Driven:
Delivering Solutions for Global Issues
1. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
How Alt Vision Contributes:
Enhances the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals.
Reduces accidents and injuries by providing real-time haptic feedback on obstacles.
Promotes mental well-being by increasing confidence and reducing anxiety in navigation.
2. SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
How Alt Vision Contributes:
Promotes technological advancements in the assistive technology industry.
Encourages the development of smart wearable solutions for accessibility.
Supports infrastructure improvements for better integration of assistive technologies.
3. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
How Alt Vision Contributes:
Enhances accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Reduces social exclusion by enabling equal participation in daily activities.
Advocates for inclusive policies and urban planning that consider the visually impaired.
4. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
How Alt Vision Contributes:
Promotes smart urban mobility solutions for people with disabilities.
Encourages the development of accessible public transportation and pedestrian pathways.
Supports urban infrastructure that prioritizes inclusivity.
THE STORY BEGAN
DESIGN STORY
Challenges
Problems with Sensor Accuracy & Calibration
Wearability & Comfort Issues
Use Case
John, a visually impaired college student, often struggles to navigate crowded streets safely. He wears the Alt Vision wristband and headband, which detect obstacles using ultrasonic sensors. When an object is detected at different distances, the device provides haptic feedback (vibrations) in the direction of the obstacle (left, right, front, or back). This real-time feedback allows John to adjust his movement, helping him avoid obstacles and navigate independently. The device significantly improves his confidence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Solution
Sensor Accuracy & Calibration: Testing multiple Scenarios and refining code Wearability & Comfort: Use lightweight materials and ergonomic designs for a comfortable fit.
TECHNOLOGIES
List of Essential Tools and Technologies
THE PROCESS
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
The Alt Vision prototype is an assistive wearable device . It features ultrasonic sensors, a microcontroller, and haptic feedback motors to detect obstacles and provide real-time tactile alerts.
The hardware setup consists of an Arduino Uno microcontroller, multiple ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement, and vibration motors for directional feedback. The sensors actively scan the surroundings, detecting obstacles in front, back, and sides. The system processes the data and triggers vibrations based on the proximity of objects within personal space, ensuring intuitive navigation.
The prototype is assembled on a breadboard, allowing for flexible testing and iterative improvements. A laptop interface runs the program, facilitating sensor calibration and data logging. The device is powered via a battery module, ensuring portability.
This early-stage prototype will be refined into a compact, wearable wristband and headband system. Future iterations will enhance battery efficiency, sensor precision, and user comfort, making Alt Vision a reliable mobility aid for individuals with visual impairments.
PLEDGE
Impact on the market
Accessibility & Independence:
Provides real-time obstacle detection, enhancing mobility for users in both familiar and unfamiliar environments. Reduces reliance on traditional aids like white canes, offering a modern, tech-driven solution.
Market Demand & Growth:
The assistive technology market is projected to grow by 15% annually, with rising adoption of smart wearables. Even capturing 0.1% of the global visually impaired population (285,000 users) at £50 which is cheaper than other tech assistive products will make it more affordable for individuals.
Competitive Advantage:
It combines ultrasonic sensors and haptic feedback in a compact wearable form. Unlike traditional solutions, it provides multi-directional awareness, ensuring better spatial understanding.
RESULTS
FINAL PRODUCT
Research & Planning: Conducted market analysis and user research to identify key challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Defined product specifications, including ultrasonic sensors, haptic feedback motors, and microcontroller integration.
Prototype Development: Designed and assembled the first prototype using Arduino Nano, ultrasonic sensors, and vibration motors. Implemented obstacle detection logic and tested different sensor placements for optimal coverage.
Testing & Optimization: Conducted multiple testing phases, refining the software algorithm to improve accuracy and responsiveness. Optimized power consumption and ensured the device provided real-time feedback without delays.
Manufacturing & Deployment: Finalized the design for production, ensuring affordability while maintaining high quality. Developed a marketing and distribution strategy, targeting individual users, healthcare providers, and assistive technology organizations.
