Prototype of a Low-Cost Electronic Cane Aimed at Visually Impaired or Deafblind People

The recognition of different deficiencies and their respective limitations favors the development of assistive technologies that aim to guarantee a better quality of life and greater independence for users. While the visual impairment comprises partial loss of vision to complete loss, defined according to the visual capacity of one or both eyes, hearing impairment can be classified as total deafness, representing a complete inability to perceive sounds, or partial deafness, characterized by significant hearing loss. Deafblindness combines visual and auditory sensory deprivation, which may be total or partial. In Brazil, approximately 6.5 million people have some form of visual impairment, including 722 thousand with blindness or low vision and of these 40 thousand have the condition of deafblindness. Globally, there are 2.2 billion people with visual impairment. Given this scenario and the importance of guaranteeing quality of life and safety to the visually impaired person or deafblind, this study aimed to develop a prototype of an accessible electronic cane for blind and/or deafblind people. Methodology: the device is based on an ESP32 equipped with an ultrasonic sensor for detecting obstacles, in addition to vibration motors and buzzers for alerts. The structure is produced by 3D printing with polylactic acid (PLA). Result: from the tests realized, the integration of sensors allowed the creation of a cohesive and functional system, capable of providing tactile feedback and sound simultaneously. Conclusion: the electronic cane provides greater autonomy and safety for people with disabilities visual and auditory, highlighting technological advances that help contribute to mobility and social inclusion. However, there are still a challenges related to cost, durability and necessary adaptations individualities.