There is good news for blind from the innovative labs of Indian Institute of Technology [IIT] Kanput. A walking stick has been designed to enable the handicapped walk with a lot more confidence. Crossing roads, climbing stairs and moving about in general will be much easier with this stick in their hand. The most encouraging aspect of the indigenous creation is going to be its cost, a meager Rs 50 or so. While, an imported one anywhere costs between Rs 1500 to 2000. The stick is battery-run and made of metal. It is equipped with an electronic device, witch indicates obstructions, if any, in the user’s path. Three B-tech students [electrical and electronic department]Amit Kumar, Rajesh Jaiswal and Saurabh Ranjan, who have designed the Stick, said the electronic device gave a warning signal from a distance of about 30 cm and the range could be increased further as per requirements. Dr. Amit Ray, the project guide, said the Stick gave out a beep to indicate an object stone or a vehicle and helped the blind manoeuvre his way. Explaining the mechanism,Dr. Ray said, “Our students have designed a circuit witch has a sensor that sends a warning beep in case something comes in the way”. Dr. Ray also said that the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India [ALIMCO] authorities had asked IIT technologists to design this kind of walking stick for the blind about two years ago. But they could not come out with this earlier as as the technocrats were exploring other possible applications of the stick, for example, its use in darkness and to measure the depth of potholes.IIT had earlier designed toys for spastic children. Times of India, Mumbai, April 25, 2003 thanks, mukesh jain.
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