SafeSteps

Inspiration

Women’s safety is a pressing issue worldwide. Many existing solutions, like mobile apps or wearables, require visibility or manual unlocking, which can be difficult in high-risk situations. We wanted a discreet, reliable, and always-available tool that empowers women to call for help instantly without drawing attention.

What it does

SafeSteps is a smart shoe that lets women send an SOS alert by tapping a hidden touch sensor in the Morse code SOS pattern (••• ––– •••). Once activated, it:

Captures the user’s GPS location.

Sends an SMS alert with coordinates to emergency contacts or authorities.

Operates discreetly, without needing a smartphone.

How we built it

Hardware: ESP32 microcontroller, GPS module, SIM800L GSM module, capacitive touch sensor, integrated into footwear. Software: Embedded C/C++ for ESP32, logic to detect Morse code SOS, GPS parsing, and GSM SMS communication. Integration: Modules wired and tested together; Morse code sequence validated before triggering alerts.

Challenges we ran into

Ensuring accurate Morse code detection while avoiding false triggers. Power management for continuous readiness without frequent charging. Integrating hardware components into footwear without compromising comfort. Maintaining network reliability for SMS in low-signal areas.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Successfully created a working prototype that detects SOS taps and sends live GPS alerts. Built a discreet safety solution that doesn’t rely on visible devices or smartphones. Innovated an approach that blends IoT and safety into something practical and wearable.

What we learned

How to integrate multiple IoT modules (ESP32, GPS, GSM) effectively. Designing user-friendly safety triggers (Morse code) that balance ease of use with reliability. The importance of real-world testing in ensuring accuracy and usability.

What's next for SafeSteps

Miniaturization: Making the hardware smaller and more comfortable inside footwear. Battery optimization: Longer standby and charging through wireless/kinetic energy. App integration: Optional mobile app for advanced features like live tracking. Scalability: Partnering with shoe brands to integrate SafeSteps into everyday footwear at scale.