An intelligent walking stick for the blind, which won second prize at the 2013 Da Nang Creative Festive Day, is regarded as a second set of eyes for the blind.  The main feature of the stick is to sound an alarm when obstacles or traffic users are close to the blind person.  In addition, the top of the stick is equipped with magnets, which help the user detect and avoid small metal obstacles.    

Invented by teacher Nguyen Duy Quy from Da Nang’s Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for Disabled Children, the product has been become popular with blind students who are studying at the Nguyen Binh Khiem Junior High School.  Most notably, a blind teacher, Hoang Van Khuong, uses this stick to go to school from his house.  The prototype smart sticks have helped the blind to negotiate traffic, go to school, and take the initiative in doing many things by themselves without help from others. 

Mr Quy and his intelligent walking stick

Mr Quy said that the battery-operated walking stick is very easy to make, and only costs around 320,000 VND.  The battery will last for 20 days if the stick is used for only 15 minutes a day.  He said that he is willing to transfer the production technology to any businesses who are interested.  He added that the more intelligent walking sticks are made, the more blind people will be able to enjoy the benefits and help them to feel comfortable in their daily lives.