PESHAWAR: A young inventor from Pakistan’s northwest has designed “smart shoes” for visually impaired people that warn them with a sound or vibration about any obstacle on their path within a radius of 120 centimeters
Hailing from the Swat valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the 17-year-old told Arab News he had entered the world of innovation by repairing and fixing damaged battery-operated toys.
“Visually impaired people will no longer need walking sticks or guides after smart shoes acquire popularity,” Wasiullah, who goes by a single name, said. “The shoes are fixed with ultrasonic sensor and Arduino board to keep blind people safe while they are walking. Such individuals can get a prior notification of any looming hindrance.”
Wasiullah (right) briefs his fellow about his newly invented "smart shoes" for blind in Swat, northwestern Pakistan on October 13, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Wasiullah)
Physics teacher Muhammad Farooq said Wasiullah was his most brilliant student and that he had planned to design a new type of a wheelchair to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings, but he could not do it due to financial constraints.
Budget restrictions did not stifle his inventiveness and when he designed the shoes earlier this year, it was proved even further.
“I still believe he has the potential to emerge as a leading scientist if he gets proper coaching and opportunity,” Farooq said.
One such opportunity, which would also help Wasiullah afford higher education in the field of science, could be introducing his invention to the market.
“Smart shoes for visually impaired people are available in foreign countries,” Farooq said. “But their prices are beyond the reach for many in this country. The government should own the project because the shoes Wasiullah has made are comparatively cheaper and more affordable.”
Mian Sayed, a social activist from Swat has seen Wasiullah’s smart shoes and is positive that they could even become an export product.
“I knew Wasiullah who is one of the brilliant students and can bring laurels for the country,” Sayed added. “The shoes invented by him can even be exported if the project is owned by the government.”
The picture shows newly invented "smart shoes" for blind by Wasiullah in Swat, northwestern Pakistan on October 13, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Wasiullah)
Wasiullah said a pair of his smart shoes could cost about Rs4,500 ($26), but he would not be able to finance production himself as he also needs to finance his college himself.
An opportunity may come from the local government.
Sajid Shah, head of the provincial directorate general of science, told Arab News the shoes will soon be evaluated by experts.
“After evaluation by our scientists,” he said, “our department will promote the project of smart shoes invented by Wasiullah for commercial purposes.”
