Middle School Students Develop Innovative Smart Shoes for the Visually Impaired

Ender Öztürk

June 11, 2026

A group of sixth-grade students from Fehmi Ekşioğlu Middle School in Istanbul, known as the Quantum Team, has developed a groundbreaking wearable technology platform called “Guided Feet” to assist visually impaired individuals. This student-led initiative, which functions as a smart shoe system, emerged without external funding and has already secured the Turkish National Championship title after winning the Marmara Regional competition. By integrating advanced sensor technology into everyday footwear, these young innovators have created a solution that aims to redefine mobility for the blind. The team is now preparing to represent Turkey at the prestigious Robotex International world finals in South Korea.

These young inventors have managed to eliminate the need for traditional charging by turning every step taken into a clean energy source.

Current Mobility Limitations Force New Technological Solutions

For individuals with visual impairments, navigating urban environments involves constant risks from uneven sidewalks, obstacles, and sudden infrastructure changes. While the traditional white cane remains a standard tool, it often fails to provide adequate environmental awareness. Furthermore, existing high-tech alternatives frequently struggle with high costs and the logistical burden of frequent battery charging. The Quantum Team addressed these issues by creating a system that prioritizes both user autonomy and sustainability.

Sensors Provide Instant Audio Feedback for Users

The core of the “Guided Feet” system lies in a specialized module mounted on the front of the shoe. This module acts as an artificial sensory organ, employing ultrasonic and depth sensors to scan the path ahead. Data regarding potential hazards are processed in real-time and transmitted via Bluetooth to a headset, ensuring the user receives instant, delay-free auditory guidance. This design allows users to navigate with their hands completely free, promoting a more natural gait.

Emergency Protocols Ensure User Safety

Beyond navigation, the smart shoes prioritize personal safety through an integrated processing unit. If the system detects that a user has fallen, it immediately triggers an emergency protocol. Through a connection to the Telegram messaging platform, the device sends an automated alert and the user’s live GPS coordinates to pre-determined family members or emergency contacts, ensuring rapid assistance in critical situations.

The modular and waterproof design ensures that the technology can be easily adapted to any personal footwear preference.

International Competitions Await the Young Innovators

The journey from a school project to a global innovation has been driven entirely by the dedication of students Ahmet Mert Buldu, Alya Bakır, Ece Adıgüzel, Furkan Dulundu, and Burhan Ay. After their success in local and national robotics competitions, they are now set to compete against thousands of engineers and students from over 50 countries at the Robotex International event in Incheon, South Korea. The team plans to finalize their third-generation prototype, which features improved energy efficiency, before the November finals. As they prepare to showcase their work on the global stage, the technology sector is closely observing the progress of this promising, home-grown project.

We would love to hear your thoughts on how student-led innovations like this can shape the future of inclusive technology; please share your perspective in the comments section below.