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Sohini Sarkar

A Guiding Light for the Visually Impaired and Blind

Can you imagine not being able to see the world around yourself? The term ‘visually impaired’ refers to a person whose eyesight has deteriorated so much that even glasses cannot fix their problem anymore. Whereas, the term ‘blind’ refers to those who cannot see due to disease, injury or genetics. People with these conditions lead their life without the ability to see their surroundings. This poses a problem especially when it comes to movement.


While walking through streets you may have come across people walking with the help of a white cane or with a guide. The white cane is a common tool used by blind and visually impaired people to guide them and alert them of obstacles in their way. However, it has its disadvantages which make it difficult for the user. Saiyam Agarwal, a school boy, has made a handy “torch” called Vision, which is lightweight and overcomes the disadvantage of the typical white cane.



Walking with a white cane

Inspired by the echolocation used by bats, Saiyam’s device uses the ultrasonic ranging method to detect obstacles in the user’s path and informs them with vibrations and sounds. He uses ultrasonic sensors as they can be used inside and outside, are not affected by sunlight and are good for accurate calculations. The intensity of the sound and vibrations increase when the user moves closer to the obstacle. It reacts only when triggered by pressing a button. He presented it at the Delhi Minimaker Faire in 2016 as a prototype. The torch’s prototype is quite simple to make and does not cost too much.


At such a young age, Saiyam Agarwal has invented a torch that can guide millions of people when improved on. Maybe you will be the next great mind of our generation who will help the daily lives of many and make a change in our world.


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