Hull High School Senior Creates Smart Walker Robot

HULL — Superintendent Judith Kuehn is pleased to announce that Hull High School senior Jacob Smith designed and created a Smart Walker robot to assist people with certain impairments and was recognized at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Blueprint Hackathon Tournament.

Smith describes his robot, “Vision Path,” as a “smart walker.” It uses ultrasonic sensors for object detection to assist visually impaired people, seniors and people with other impairments. If an object is detected within 12 inches of the robot, a red light will flash along with a beeping sound that increases in frequency as the object gets closer.

Additionally, Smith added motors on the handle of the walker that causes a vibration on whichever side the object is located to alert the user. 

Smith also created a shoe prototype with the same concept. The shoe would detect how far the object is and display the distance on a LCD screen. He plans to use a text-to-speech module to notify the user of the distance.

Smith is continuing his work on the project, and was inspired to design assistive technology due to his grandmother’s mobility issues. He is currently researching possible added components, including ultrasonic sensors and vibration motors. He hopes to work alongside a professor to continue the research as he transitions into college this fall. He plans to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in Robotics.

Smith is also working to find new ways to make the prototype more durable and add more sensors that can detect falls and alert a caretaker or 911.

He plans to submit the prototypes to MIT Solve and MIT Engine with the hope of getting funding for patenting and possible commercialization.

“Jacob is an all-around great student, a quiet scholar that is involved in many other student activities including student government, chess club and basketball,” said Hull High School Principal Michael Knybel. “His work ethic is very commendable and he makes the most out of Hull High School every day.” 

Earlier this spring, Smith competed at the MIT Blueprint Hackathon Tournament and placed first out of 300 students. The tournament is described as a learnathon and hackathon for high school students. Students of all coding skill levels participate in the weekend-long event. They attend workshops with mentors and MIT students on programming fundamentals, web programming or game development before moving on to create their own project. Smith created the “Vision Path” smart walker during the MIT Blueprint Hackathon weekend. Mentors and friends assisted Smith with programming the device. 

“Congratulations to Jacob on this incredible achievement,” Superintendent Kuehn said. “We are so proud not only of his success in the tournament but also of his ingenuity in creating such a beneficial tool to help others. ”

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