ASSISTIVE CANE WITH ULTRASONIC SENSING AND CUSTOMIZED STRUCTURE VIA 3D PRINTING

Abstract

This article presents the development and validation of a smart cane prototype aimed at supporting the mobility of visually impaired people, a group that exceeds 328,000 individuals in Maranhão and includes approximately 211,000 people with visual difficulties in São Luís alone, where more than 2,300 are classified as blind. Given this scenario and the persistent challenges of urban accessibility, the objective of this study was to propose a low-cost assistive solution capable of early detection and providing greater safety to the user. The methodology adopted integrated experimental research, used to test technical variables such as the accuracy of the ultrasonic sensor, response time, and repeatability in a controlled environment, and a case study, conducted with a user to evaluate the usability and performance of the device in real-world conditions. The prototype was built from a combination of an Arduino Uno microcontroller and an HC-SR04 sensor, incorporated into a customized physical structure modeled in Autodesk Fusion and refined in Blender, with fabrication via 3D printing. Tests have shown that the system accurately identifies obstacles at distances of less than 15 cm, emitting 1500Hz audible alerts and immediate tactile feedback. Qualitative results indicated an increased sense of security and improved spatial orientation. It is concluded that the integration of accessible electronics, additive manufacturing, and practical validation constitutes a viable, efficient, and socially relevant alternative to enhance the autonomy of visually impaired people.