Real-Time Object Detection and Environmental Feedback: A Smart Navigation System for the Blind Using AI

This paper presents a novel AI-powered Smart Navigation System designed to enhance the mobility and independence of visually impaired individuals. Traditional navigation aids such as guide dogs, white canes, and GPS systems provide limited situational awareness and lack real-time environmental feedback crucial for safe navigation. Our system integrates advanced computer vision technology using the YOLOv8 model to enable real-time detection of obstacles, such as pedestrians and vehicles, while offering additional functionalities like traffic light recognition and weather alerts. Speech-to-speech communication transforms visual data into auditory cues, empowering users with immediate and actionable information. Field tests demonstrate that the system significantly improves navigation safety and user confidence, offering a transformative solution in assistive technology. This research highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize support for the visually impaired, providing a comprehensive platform for safe and informed navigation in dynamic environments.