GIOXANCE: Smart cane for people with total blindness

Visual impairment affects millions of people worldwide, limiting their autonomy and mobility. Traditional white canes have served as essential tools for navigation, yet they lack technological enhancements that could improve safety and efficiency. GIOXANCE is a modular smart white cane designed to enhance mobility and safety for visually impaired individuals. It integrates a verification system using VL53L0X laser sensors and LiDAR to ensure precise obstacle detection at ground level. The latest version has been optimized for improved portability and ergonomics, featuring a significant reduction in size (76.13%) and weight (29.8%) while maintaining its functionality. Constructed from PETG, a lightweight yet durable material, the cane operates with a single rechargeable battery for energy-efficient performance. Real-time geolocation and Bluetooth connectivity allow seamless interaction with a dedicated mobile application, which provides navigation assistance, emergency alerts, and location sharing with trusted contacts. Testing with members of "Topos FC Puebla," a football team for visually impaired individuals, provided crucial feedback, achieving an obstacle detection accuracy of 87% ± 1.02 for large obstacles. Future improvements include weight redistribution, enhanced ergonomics, and alternative connectivity solutions. This project aims to empower visually impaired individuals through accessible and effective assistive technology.