In a remarkable display of innovation and compassion, 13 students from SAL Institute of Diploma Studies (SIDS), Ahmedabad, developed a cutting-edge assistive device titled “SMART STICK” to support visually impaired individuals in navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Rupesh Vasani (Director, SAL Campus) and Dr. Ajay Upadhyay (Principal, SIDS), the team designed and built the smart walking stick within just six months. The device is powered by a battery-operated system and incorporates advanced hardware such as microcontrollers, sensors, and circuit vibrators to detect nearby obstacles and guide users safely to their destinations.
The stick was successfully tested and presented to visually impaired students on September 17, 2023, in honor of the birthday of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The initiative not only celebrated technological empowerment but also aimed to foster inclusivity and independence for the differently-abled.
The entire project was conceptualized and executed under the expert guidance of Shri Dhruv Bhatt (Project Mentor) and Dr. Monika Swami, with the enthusiastic involvement of students and faculty. This inspiring achievement was officially recognized as a New World Record, marking a proud moment for the SAL education community and the broader field of assistive innovation.
