Help for blind Africans
A Nigerian teen, Khalifa Aminu, from the state of Kano, has grabbed the attention of netizens for his creation of sensory glasses for visually impaired people. The gadget he created using things on hand, can assist visually impaired people, so they walk safely without having to use walking sticks. Khalifa’s passion for invention was sparked by his love for movies, which inspired him to start building. “I grew up in an area where there’s visually impaired people, and I understand what they’re going through. This is why I began to process a technology-based solution for them,” the 18-year-old from Nigeria, said in a video on TikTok. In an interview, Aminu spoke about how his passion in the field began when he was younger. Aminu began working on these glasses almost two years ago and it was also tested by a visually impaired man in his community and “impressed him.” According to Aminu, he was given feedback by the man, which he used to improve the gadget. Some of the suggestions involved a wireless switch, smaller parts, and black lenses. The gadget, made with working materials he could acquire are made up of infrared sensors which quickly alert the person using them of any obstacle ahead, by emitting a beeping sound.
In another interview with African media company Pan African Lifestyle, Aminu said, “I want to install a voice prompter instead of just this beeping sound. I also want to ensure they work well during the day, because they work better in the night.” However, Aminu mentions that he needs better materials to improve the gadget. He states he hasn’t received any funding from either the government or a foundation. The sensory glasses he’s developing are equipped with infrared sensors to detect nearby objects. Khalifa discussed plans to enhance the glasses with a voice prompt to replace the beeping sound and improve their functionality in low-light conditions. He says his drive comes from the many people in his hometown who struggle with vision impairments.
Besides the sensory glasses, Aminu has also created a canoe, a radio station with a transmitter on 87.5 frequency which covers around a 6 mile range, a bomb detector to scan for explosives and an automatic water spray for farmers. He says he made these gadgets alone, “without any support or materials provided for mass production.” The teen also mentioned in the interview that he wants to create drones for farm irrigation and also a fingerprint or ID card door opener, “similar to those used in China. If I have the opportunity, I can do it and people will make use of it.” With big dreams and hopes, Aminu continues to create and develop gadgets to help people in his community. One of his dreams includes a large factory where he has staff working and collaborating with him, to advance their knowledge and also create technological devices for local use and eventually, exports. “My advice to young innovators is to use their knowledge to create something, even without waiting for government support. This can eventually lead to establishing a company that benefits the community,” he told the reporter.
Invented Humor
I bought a new book yesterday. It’s the Biography of Jimmy Scotch, the inventor of “Scotch Tape.”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the beginning.
The inventor of the TASER gun recently died.
Both friends and enemies were stunned!
Swedish inventors have created cyborgs which are hard to distinguish from real humans.
The US Justice Department is very concerned about the use of artificial Swedeners.
The inventor of the remote control died.
But now nobody can find him.
September 6th Birthdays
1946 – June Curtin, 1962 – Jennifer Egan, 1962 – Elizabeth Vargas, 1964 – Rosie Perez
1958 – Jeff Foxworthy, 1787 – Graham Wardle, 1962 – Chris Christie, 1990 – John Wall