Hyderabad: A New Device to Help the Visually Impaired
Many visually impaired people face challenges when moving around in society. To help solve this problem, a Hyderabad-based startup called Alien Innovations has created a new device named Navinaut. This device aims to replace the traditional walking stick that many visually impaired individuals use.
Navinaut is a small, torch-like device that helps visually impaired individuals navigate safely. It can detect obstacles, such as stairs or drop-offs, within a 1-meter range. When it senses something in the way, it alerts the user through vibrations, helping them avoid danger.
This device is completely offline, meaning it doesn’t need an internet connection. It is small enough to fit in a pocket, making it easy to carry. Navinaut can detect obstacles from different directions and has a long battery life, lasting over 100 days on just one charge. This helps users move around more independently without needing a walking stick.
T. Ravi Kiran, the Founding Director of Alien Innovations, spoke to The Hans India. He said, “Visually impaired people told me they don’t like carrying a stick and don’t want to always rely on others. So, I thought, why not create something that guides them better? Together with my co-partner, Dr. Ashhar Ahmed Shaikh, we developed this compact device that fits in their pocket.”
Dr. Ashhar Ahmed Shaikh, the co-founder, explained how the device works. “Navinaut is a small cylinder with a button on the back. Once pressed, it starts working. Its sensor is very accurate, and if an object is detected within one meter, it sends a vibration to warn the user. With just half an hour of charging, the device can work for three to four months. We tested it on 1,500 visually impaired people in several states before finalizing the product.”
The team has showcased Navinaut at the Telangana Innovation Cell, where they won the LV Prasad Startup Challenge. This win provided them with cash prizes and access to a rehabilitation center. Recently, on White Cane Day, their product was launched at Raj Bhavan, marking a big step forward for the startup.
