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BY Abu Mubarik, 12:01pm August 27, 2024,

Meet the Nigerian teen from Kano whose remarkable device helps the blind ‘see’ their surroundings

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by Abu Mubarik, 12:01pm August 27, 2024,
Photo Credit: Anadolu via Afrotech

Meet 18-year-old Khalifa Aminu; he is behind the groundbreaking invention that has everyone talking. His sensory glasses, which he started developing in 2023, can help the visually impaired navigate their steps safely without any assistance. 

A video published on TikTok by The 77 Percent claims that the glasses can detect approaching objects thanks to infrared sensors.

“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 the process for a technology-based solution for them,” he said in the video.

Aside from the sensory glasses, he has other works, including a radio station, a bomb detector, and an automatic water spray for farmers. “All these inventions were made by me alone, without any support or materials provided for mass production,” Aminu, who lives in Kano, Nigeria, told DailyNews24 TV.

As he works to complete the invention, he hopes to enhance it by inserting a voice prompt over a beeping sound, making it perform better, especially at night. 

“The glasses, it is used to help the blind. It was tested by a blind man, and it impressed him,” he said, according to DailyNews24 TV.  “The blind man suggested four things, and I know a lack of material will hinder me. He suggested a wireless switch, smaller parts, and black lenses. This is what he said he needs, and he will use it if they are implemented.”

Aminu’s interest in inventions began during his childhood when he developed an interest in building things after watching movies, he explained to DailyNews24 TV. That led him to first build a canoe before building intentionally to help his community.

Aminu hopes to gain support from investors, including from the government of Nigeria or foundations.

“My advice to young innovators is to use their knowledge to create something, even without waiting for government support,” he said. “This can eventually lead to establishing a company that benefits the community. My dream is to get support of a large factory so that I can have a staff working under me collaborating to advance our knowledge and create technological devices for local use and export.”

Last Edited by:Mildred Europa Taylor Updated: August 27, 2024

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