Problem area
Current walking canes provide no assistance once they have been dropped, forcing users to bend down to retrieve them and increasing the risk of falls and injury. This project explores the design and development of a self-righting walking cane capable of detecting when it has fallen and autonomously returning itself to an upright position, improving safety and independence for mobility-impaired users.
Main objectives
- Design and prototype a self-righting walking cane.
- Develop a reliable fall detection system using motion sensors.
- Design and integrate a mechanical self-righting mechanism.
- Integrate embedded electronics, motors, and battery management into the cane.
- Evaluate the prototype for response time, reliability, weight, and usability.
- Demonstrate that the system improves user independence while reducing fall-related risks.
Scope of work
- Conduct literature review and market research.
- Define system requirements and customer specifications.
- Develop CAD models and mechanical designs.
- Design and build electronic circuitry and embedded control system.
- Program and test the fall detection algorithm.
- Fabricate and assemble the prototype.
- Integrate hardware and software components.
- Perform functional testing and validation.
- Refine the design based on testing results.
- Prepare final report, presentation, and demonstration.
Deliverables
- Presentation
- Report
- Prototype
Skills and training required
- Mechanical design and CAD modeling.
- Embedded systems programming.
- Electronics design and circuit integration.
- Sensor interfacing and signal processing.
- Mechanical fabrication and prototyping.
- Materials science and nanotechnology applications.
- Testing, validation, and data analysis.
- Project management, technical documentation, and presentation skills.
Resources required
- Machine shop and fabrication equipment.
- 3D printers for rapid prototyping.
- Electronics laboratory with soldering equipment, oscilloscopes, and power supplies.
- CAD software (SolidWorks).
- Embedded development tools and programming environment.
- MEMS motion sensors, microcontroller, motors, battery, and electronic components.
- Faculty supervision and technical support.