IoT Based Assistive Smart Shoe for Disabled individuals using Kansei Engineering

Abstract

The challenges facing visually impaired and disabled people in accessing transportation underscore the urgent need for advanced technology solutions. To address this problem, this study proposes a specialized Smart IoT shoe based on Kansei engineering to improve user mobility, safety, and self-sufficiency. The main goal is to develop an approach to user-oriented design that defines obstacles and adapts them to the emotions and functions of the target user. The study used Kansei Engineering to assess user emotions and needs and implementing shoes with ultrasonic sensors, tactile feedback, and audio signals controlled by microcontrollers incorporated into the shoes. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of intelligent shoe systems for visually impaired users. The study found that the use of prototypes significantly improved user orientation and autonomy in navigation. In addition, intelligent shoes integrate with mobile applications through Bluetooth, allowing users to track their location, receive updates, and notify caregivers, which improves both safety and confidence. The results suggest that smart shoes equipped with IoT can reduce the need for assistance and promote user privacy. This shows that the combination of IoT technology with a human-centered design approach can achieve many positive results for persons with disabilities. We will focus on improving technology, encouraging its widespread adoption and assessing the potential impact on other disabilities