MARS(My Alert Response Signaller)

Inspiration

Millions walk the bustling streets everyday, but not everyone feels equally safe on them. For some, like those experiencing homelessness, simply finding a place to rest can invite harassment or danger. A a woman out late, a teen walking home, or anyone caught in a moment of vulnerability, reaching for a phone might be impossible when fear or panic takes over.

According to our research, 1 in 3 women living in metropolitan areas reported experiencing unwanted sexual behavior in public in a survey conducted on over 28% of Canadian women A 2022-survey of 72 Canadian communities found that among the 37 communities that provided data, the average estimated proportion of the homeless population staying in encampments was between 14% & 23%.This suggests a significant number of people are outside of conventional shelters and likely more exposed, leading to higher cases of harassment and misconduct towards them, without anyway to call for help

What if this could be solved, with a Single click even. Making safety as easy as ever

What it does

The MARS(My Alert Response Signaller) device sends a distress signal, through a single click, to a connected web server, which immediately notifies local authorities or designated responders. The alert includes the user’s approximate real-time location, displayed through Google Maps integration, allowing for rapid and accurate assistance. Through the MARS webpage, registered users can securely enter and manage their personal and health-related information.

How we built it

MARS combined accessible, sustainable hardware and modern web technologies in order to create a seamless emergnecy response system end to end.

The MARS device is powered by an ESP32 development board, chosen for its low power consumption and for its ability to easily communicate with the Air530Z GPS module. The GPS module was chosen for its ability to capture the user’s live coordinates, ensuring accurate location tracking when a distress signal is triggered. Additional simple electronic components were used to enable tactile input and reliable power management, keeping the device compact and efficient.

The ESP32 was programmed using the Arduino IDE, allowing us to easily write, upload, and test the firmware that connects the hardware to our cloud-based system. When the user presses the button, the ESP32 gathers the GPS data and transmits it to our web server.

On the Web development side, the interface was built using React and JavaScript, providing an intuitive and responsive experience for both users and responders. The PostgreSQL database handles user data, including personal and health information, ensuring that emergency responders can quickly access critical details linked to each MARS device.

Challenges

One of the main hurdles was ensuring reliable signal transmission between the ESP32 device and the web server under varying network conditions. Since real-world emergencies often occur in unpredictable environments, maintaining low-latency communication was a top priority.

The Grove Air 530z alsomproved to be quite challenging to work with. especially in covered areas without any direct line of sight to satellites.

Developing a secure data flow between the device, web server, and PostgreSQL database demanded strong attention to privacy and cybersecurity. We worked to ensure that personal and health-related information would remain protected while still being easily accessible to authorized responders.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud that we were able to get a working design for a simple concept given the time frame. We built a working prototype with parts that were readily available and was to be ethically and sustainably disposed of. we were able to connect an ESP32 microcontroller and GPS module to a live web platform and database, successfully transmitting location data and alerts in real time.

For the most part, we are proud of the nature of the product, the MARS device isn’t just a gadget, it’s a potential lifeline. It’s a device made for people who might otherwise be unheard. The homeless, the vulnerable, or anyone in distress who doesn’t have time or ability to reach for their phone, can use this device in a time of dire need.

What we learned

Our team gained valuable experience multiple disciplines. From a design perspective, we learned how crucial empathy is when developing technology meant for public good. Creating a device that could be used in moments of fear, danger, or vulnerability challenged us to think not only about functionality but also accessibility, simplicity, and trust.

On the technical side, we learned how to integrate hardware and software into a cohesive system, connecting the ESP32 and GPS module to a React-based web interface and a PostgreSQL database. This taught us the importance of designing clear communication protocols, handling asynchronous data, and ensuring reliability in real-time systems.

What's next for XEB6 - Going to MARS - MARS(My Alert Response Signaller)

we plan to enhance MARS with features such as:

• SMS and cellular fallback connectivity for areas without Wi-Fi.
• End-to-end encryption for improved data protection.
• Multi-tier response networks, allowing both authorities and nearby registered helpers to receive alerts.
• A wearable version for greater portability and discreet use.

Built With

• esp32
• postgresql
• react