Inspiration Drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide. Many victims lack immediate access to flotation devices or rescue support. This pressing issue inspired us to develop a smart, self-inflating life jacket capable of detecting distress and initiating emergency responses autonomously. The idea was fueled by the desire to combine low-cost technology with real-world impact, especially in low-resource, high-risk aquatic environments.
What it does The self-inflating life jacket is an intelligent wearable designed to automatically respond during a drowning emergency. It uses a blood oxygen sensor to monitor the user's oxygen levels. If these levels drop below 90%, the system performs three key actions: Inflates the jacket via a chemical reaction between manganese dioxide (MnO₂) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), generating oxygen. Sends GPS coordinates of the user to the nearest marine rescue team for a fast response. Activates LED lights for nighttime visibility. Additionally, an SOS button allows for manual activation in case of system failure or perceived danger.
How we built it We integrated a blood oxygen sensor with an Arduino microcontroller that handles real-time decision-making. The inflation mechanism was engineered by storing MnO₂ and H₂O₂ in separate thermal bags connected by tubing. Upon receiving a low-oxygen alert, the Arduino triggers their controlled mixing, inflating the jacket. GPS and LED modules were wired into the board, and the SOS button was configured for manual override. The entire system was tested in simulated aquatic conditions for functionality and safety.
Challenges we ran into Chemical control: Ensuring a safe and consistent chemical reaction without overheating or leakage. Sensor accuracy: Achieving reliable oxygen level readings in varying environmental conditions. Waterproofing electronics: Protecting circuitry from water exposure while maintaining performance. Synchronization: Coordinating multiple actions (inflation, GPS, LED) within milliseconds of detection.
Accomplishments that we're proud of We successfully developed a working prototype that autonomously inflates and initiates rescue protocols. Our integration of chemistry, hardware, and software in a life-saving application demonstrates innovation with real-world potential. We're especially proud of achieving this using cost-effective materials accessible in developing regions.
What we learned This project deepened our understanding of embedded systems, chemical engineering, and user-centered design. We learned to troubleshoot hardware-software integration challenges and gained hands-on experience in designing for extreme-use environments. Most importantly, we learned how technology can directly serve human safety.
What's next for Self-Inflating Life Jacket We plan to: Conduct field testing with professional lifeguards and water rescue teams, improve chemical storage safety and jacket ergonomics, develop a mobile app for real-time alerts to emergency contacts, explore partnerships with NGOs and coastal authorities to deploy the device in vulnerable regions.
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