"Echo-Location Helmet" by Nathan Couture, Manuel Urena et al.
 

Echo-Location Helmet

Presenter

Nathan Couture; Donald McInnis

Document Type

Digital Slide Show Presentation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Vision loss affects approximately 50 million Americans annually, ranging from partial impairment to complete blindness. The Echo-Location Helmet is designed to assist individuals with visual impairments by providing real-time spatial awareness. The helmet delivers sufficient information to enable users to navigate unfamiliar environments with greater confidence.

The Echo-Location Helmet was constructed using ultrasonic sensors, visual processing, and speech output, integrated through development software and artificial intelligence (AI). The system employs hardware components such as an Arduino microcontroller, a serial camera, ultrasonic sensors, and an MP3 player to detect and alert the user. This provides users with an easy way to navigate their surroundings. Wireless technology was also incorporated as needed.

The prototype was developed with user feedback, while prioritizing safety, comfort, and accessibility. It is used as a “smart” helmet utilizing an ESP32 Arduino board to help users identify real-world objects in real-time. The helmet is viewed as a starting point to various advancements in medical technology. Scheduled upgrades will be aimed at reducing latency, enhancing processing speed and precision, and introducing features such as live location sharing. Official testing will also validate the effectiveness of the device. Subsequent versions will make the helmet more weather-resistant and wearable.

Faculty Mentor

Dean Plowman

Academic Discipline

College of Engineering & Design; College of Arts & Sciences

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