Inspiration
We were inspired by the everyday challenges faced by visually impaired people while navigating crowded and unpredictable environments. We wanted to create a hands-free and affordable solution that could help users understand obstacles around them and move with greater confidence.
What it does
NavCap is a smart cap designed to detect obstacles around the user and provide directional audio alerts through open-ear earbuds. It aims to identify obstacles from different directions and inform the user where the potential danger is coming from, helping them navigate more safely.
How we built it
We designed the system using multiple distance sensors, an ESP32 microcontroller, and audio feedback. The sensors continuously collect information about nearby objects, while the ESP32 processes the readings and determines the obstacle direction. Appropriate audio alerts are then provided to the user.
Challenges we ran into
Our main challenges were achieving accurate obstacle detection, reducing false alerts, and providing clear directional information without overwhelming the user. We also had to consider the device's size, comfort, power consumption, and affordability.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of developing a hands-free assistive concept that combines wearable technology, real-time sensing, and intelligent audio guidance. Our project focuses on making navigation more accessible while keeping the solution simple and affordable.
What we learned
We learned how to integrate sensors, microcontrollers, real-time data processing, and audio feedback into one system. More importantly, we learned that accessibility projects need to focus on user comfort, safety, reliability, and simplicity, not just technical functionality.
What's next for NavCap
In the future, we plan to add AI-based object recognition, improved moving-object detection, GPS navigation, emergency SOS functionality, mobile connectivity, and personalized audio alerts. Our ultimate goal is to make NavCap a reliable and affordable assistive navigation system that promotes greater independence for visually impaired people.
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