Echo Specs

Inspiration

We were inspired by the millions living with Diabetic Retinopathy who struggle with depth perception, stairs, obstacles, and crowded environments. We wanted a solution that restores independence without surgery, medication, or stigma.

What it does

Echo Specs are smart glasses that detect obstacles 3–6 meters ahead and alert users with gentle signals. They help with steps, walls, poles, and crowds, giving users confidence to move safely in everyday life. We are planning to expand our functions to GPS Tracking, Live views, and even emergency alert.

How we built it

We combined ultrasonic distance sensors, a microcontroller, and a lightweight glasses frame. Our software interprets distance data and triggers real-time alerts. We designed the frame, prototyped quickly, and built a working detection system.

Challenges we ran into

Calibrating distance sensors in noisy environments
Minimizing false alerts in crowds
Designing a lightweight, comfortable frame
Integrating hardware without obstructing vision ## Accomplishments that we're proud of
Functional prototype.
Well-designed website that connects with the glasses.
A solution to the walking stick. ## What we learned We learned how real depth-perception challenges affect mobility, how to optimize sensor feedback, and how important user-centered design is in assistive tech. We also improved our rapid-prototyping and hardware integration skills. ## What's next for Echo Specs
Adding haptic feedback zones for directional alerts
Implementing AI object recognition
Improving long-range detection
Refining the frame for comfort and style
User testing with visually impaired individuals
Preparing for real-world deployment