A young Bahraini boy has developed the prototype of a smart shoe that could empower the visually impaired and help them navigate their surroundings with confidence.
The rechargeable shoe, designed by 13-year-old Hadi Aljad, uses ultrasonic sensors and makes noises to alert the wearer when they approach obstacles on the way.
The talented Al Sehla Primary Intermediate Boys School student said the shoe would serve as a convenient replacement to the white cane, which can be difficult to carry around everyday.
While assistive technologies for the visually challenged, including smart shoes, have already been created by innovators in various parts of the world, the young boy hopes to develop it further, asserting that the prototype was a first thought and probably just the beginning of a range of products to follow.
“I want to make a positive impact on society by helping people with special needs, particularly the visually impaired,” Hadi told the GDN.
The little talent credits his school and teachers for bringing his vision to life.
“I am grateful that my school played a great part in supporting me, especially my teacher Samih Mohammed and principal Hussain Sultan,” he said.
“They supported me and gave me the opportunity to attend classes and workshops to hone my skills and improve my knowledge in the electronics and programming fields.
“I was provided the main tools for the project, which included a collection of gadgets such as sensors and wires.”
Hadi also credited his father Jafar Aljid, a computer science specialist, who taught him the C++ language, which he has used to develop the programme for the shoes. Hadi is currently in the process of improving the shoes further as he aims to have his invention recognised globally.
“I hope to attract specialised and interested collaborators to help make the shoes easily available across the GCC and the world,” the Abu Saiba resident said, adding that he was keen to present the project at venues outside Bahrain.
The young programmer is also hoping to create a ‘talking dictionary’ to make language more accessible for the blind.
“We are immensely proud of our son and thank god for everything, and we will continue providing him love and support in every step he takes,” Mr Aljid told the GDN.
The GDN earlier reported that three young girls from Jidhafs Secondary School for Girls created the prototype of an intelligent shoe that won the bronze medal at the Fifth Korea International Youth Olympiad (KIYO) in 2020.
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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