Haptic smartwatch for the visually impaired, devised at IIT Kanpur bags STEM Impact Award 2024

As a stride toward aiding visually impaired individuals with advanced technology, a team of researchers at IIT Kanpur introduced a highly-innovative haptic smartwatch in 2022. This wearable, developed by Professors Ankush Sharma and Siddhartha Panda, not only revolutionized assistance for the visually impaired but also stood out for its cost-effectiveness.

Their pioneering work has now been recognized with the prestigious STEM Impact Award in 2024 for their significant contributions to technology transfer activities.

The Society for Technology Management (STEM), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering Technology Transfer Processes and advancing the professional development of tech experts across various fields.

Renowned for its pioneering technological initiatives, IIT Kanpur has clinched this prestigious award for the third consecutive year. The accolade was bestowed upon the innovative minds behind the haptic smartwatch from IIT Kanpur during the latest edition of the STEM Summit 2024, held in Bengaluru.

Being a hub of innovation and excellence, IIT Kanpur has played a pivotal role in nurturing various technological breakthroughs over the years. Among these, the Haptic Smart Watch, jointly developed by Prof. Ankush Sharma of SIIC-IIT Kanpur and Prof. Siddhartha Panda, the Coordinator of the National Centre of Flexible Electronics (NCFlexE) at IIT Kanpur, stands out as another groundbreaking advancement.

This smart wearable utilizes a touch-sensitive tactile interface that conveys information through vibrations, offering a more effective alternative to the audio-based devices previously available for the visually impaired. Notably, its cost-effectiveness enhances accessibility for a wider audience.

In addition to the prestigious STEM Award, this innovation has garnered recognition from multiple other accolades, underscoring its impact as a transformative technological device.