GIOXANCE: Smart cane for blind people

Para qué sirve

The GIOXANCE smart cane is designed to provide autonomy and safety for individuals with visual impairments. It uses advanced obstacle-detection sensors to identify objects, and features an integrated GPS system to aid orientation and navigation.

Qué te inspiró

The idea for the smart cane originated when Ximena Cisneros, during a family gathering, heard a visually impaired relative share the challenges of moving independently—often encountering obstacles, receiving unkind reactions when asking for help, and the worry their parents feel when letting them go out alone. Motivated by this, Ximena designed a cane equipped with obstacle-detection sensors and connected to a mobile app that allows users to navigate safely and independently, while enabling their parents to monitor their location in real time, providing both safety and freedom.

Cómo funciona

The cane features a dual verification system located at its base, which uses both sensors and LiDAR technology. When both detect an object within 10 cm, they cross-verify to confirm its presence. Once an obstacle is identified, the cane alerts the user through vibration or sound signals. All other components, including the PCB (excluding the sensors and LiDAR), are placed very close to the handle to enhance the effectiveness of sound and vibration feedback. Regarding the GPS and mobile app, the cane is equipped with a GPS module that tracks the user’s real-time location and sends this data to the app. The app contains three main sections: the current location, the route taken to reach a destination, and a history of previous routes including dates and times. When the user turns on the cane, all these functions activate to support safety and independent navigation.

Proceso de diseño

The project was the final graduation work of Ximena Cisneros in the FabAcademy course, guided by Neil Gershenfeld in August 2024. Initially, all fabrication was digital but somewhat manual and not highly specialized, including PCB production, 3D printing, and laser cutting. After successfully completing the zero version, the Alpha version began in collaboration with Brenda Sofia. This phase included redesigning to reduce weight, implementing a dual verification system with LiDAR, and manufacturing a professionally made PCB in China for improved aesthetics. During testing with TOPOS Puebla, a blind soccer team, feedback revealed that the cane was still too heavy due to the weight being concentrated at the base. This led to the Beta version, where Daniela and Alfredo joined the team. Alfredo optimized the app by enabling personalized user accounts, allowing anyone with the app to create a profile and link it to their personal cane. Daniela focused on torque calculations to ensure the mass was centered. The cane was redesigned into two parts: the lower section containing the sensors and the upper section housing the mechanical components.Since then, we have been continuously gathering feedback from visually impaired users to perform iterative improvements.

Qué lo hace diferente

Gioxance stands out primarily because of its affordability. While other smart canes on the market cost around $20,000, Gioxance can be produced for less than one-sixth of that price—excluding labor and equipment costs, which would not significantly increase the final cost. Moreover, all components are integrated directly into the user’s cane, allowing it to be customized and adapted to each individual’s needs. The cane features an advanced dual verification system using LiDAR technology alongside traditional sensors, enabling accurate obstacle detection within a 10 cm range and reducing false alarms. Combined with GPS navigation, a dedicated mobile app with personalized user accounts, and an ergonomic design focused on comfort and autonomy, Gioxance offers an accessible, reliable, and practical solution for people with visual impairments.

Planes para el futuro

Our goal is to make Gioxance accessible to as many people as possible. During interviews with TOPOS Puebla, a blind soccer team, they expressed a strong desire for the cane to be available for purchase immediately. One comment that deeply impacted us was, “No one ever thinks about us.” Since then, we have also received interest from other individuals wanting to acquire the device. We aim to standardize and optimize the production process to 100%, ensuring Gioxance has the quality and finish of a final product ready for the market. Our mission is to deliver an affordable, reliable, and user-friendly tool for the visually impaired community.

Premios

At Fab Academy, the project received the title “The Best Technological Innovation Applied to Health.” We have participated twice in EXPO Ibero, showcasing our progress and impact. In Puebla, the project has gained statewide recognition, having been featured in the news and covered by multiple journalists.