alpha sense

Inspiration

Witnessing deaf-blind individuals struggle with white canes and guide dogs—tools that couldn’t prevent collisions or grant true independence—inspired us. We asked: "What if technology could give them a 'sixth sense' for obstacles?"

What it does

Alpha Sense detects obstacles (up to 4 meters) using ultrasonic sensors and translates their location/distance into intuitive vibrations on the vest. Left obstacle? Left side vibrates. A wall ahead? Continuous pulses warn the user—no apps, no sound, just silent safety.

How we built it

Hardware: Arduino Uno brain + 4 ultrasonic sensors + 8 LRA motors + Li-ion battery.
Software: C++-coded vibration algorithms (distance → pulse intensity).
Design: Sewn into jackets with radium strips for night visibility. Cost: ₹5,000 → ₹3,000 via iterative prototyping.

Challenges

False alarms: Sensors triggered by rain/curtains (fixed with sensitivity tweaks).
Battery life: Only 4 hours initially (now 8 hours after optimizing code).
User comfort: Motors felt "pokey" (solved with foam padding).

Accomplishments

Awards: Won ₹2k (M-Pulse), ₹1k (M-Shrishti), EYIC Semifinalist (IIT Bombay).
User impact: 15+ testers reported "90% fewer collisions" in crowded spaces.
Cost breakthrough: Slashed price by 40% through DIY fabrication.

What we learned

User feedback is non-negotiable: A vest that vibrates "too hard" feels alarming.
Simplicity > complexity: Deaf-blind users preferred tactile feedback over voice/beeps.
Jugaad saves costs: Local ₹60 Velcro belts outperformed imported ₹500 parts.