Students showcase solutions that tackle real-world challenges, from helping the visually impaired to optimizing solar energy
The final year students of NED University of Engineering and Technology showed their exceptional creativity and technical ingenuity at an exhibition. Their latest inventions included a smart sensor stick for the visually impaired, a solar panel cleaning drone, a fire and smoke detector and an intelligent vehicle parking system.
A total of 27 projects were exhibited, with AI and IoT innovations drawing the most attention for their potential to transform industries and improve living standards.
One of the most impressive innovations came from Syed Rohan, a student from the Electrical Engineering Department, who introduced a smart sensor stick designed specifically for the visually impaired. Affordable at Rs 3,000, the stick is equipped with sound and ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles in the user’s path and alert them through sound and vibration.
speaks to Express PakinomistRohan said that while the basic model was highly functional, the device could be further enhanced with machine learning to help distinguish between different objects, such as vehicles, bicycles or walls.
This would allow users a more intuitive experience, making the device even more effective in the real world. The low cost of the stick makes it an accessible tool for people with visual impairments, enabling them to navigate their surroundings with greater ease and independence.
From the Mechanical Engineering Department, another interesting project was presented, an AI-based drone system for cleaning solar panels. Developed at a cost of Rs150,000, the drone uses high-tech cameras and artificial intelligence to automatically detect dust and dirt on solar panels and activate its cleaning mechanism.
Shayan Ali, one of the developers behind the project, said that the system not only saves water, but also saves time and energy by cleaning only the panels that are dirty, thereby reducing unnecessary resource consumption. This system is particularly advantageous for large solar parks, where keeping the panels clean is critical to efficiency. Ali added that the drone can operate autonomously, increasing its applicability in large-scale solar installations.
In safety and security, another student unveiled a fire and smoke detection mechanism that aims to increase safety in both residential and industrial environments. The system is designed to detect smoke or fire at an early stage and trigger an alarm, potentially preventing major accidents and saving lives.
This detection system can be easily installed in homes, factories as well as in large industrial units, making it an important tool to improve security standards. The innovation is particularly timely given the growing awareness of fire hazards and the need for better preventative measures across the country.
Other prominent projects at the show included a renewable energy estimation system, an intelligent car parking solution and improvements in additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes. Each of these projects demonstrated the students’ commitment to tackling pressing social and industrial challenges through technological innovation.
The intelligent car parking system is designed to optimize parking spaces in urban areas, ease congestion and reduce the environmental impact of vehicle emissions by streamlining the parking process.
Meanwhile, the renewable energy estimation system provides real-time data on energy production from solar panels, helping to optimize energy consumption in homes and businesses.
The students emphasized that their projects were not just academic exercises, but practical solutions aimed at real-world problems that promote innovation and applied research in Pakistan. By focusing on socially impactful technologies, the exhibition highlighted the potential of local students to contribute to global technological progress.
Through these projects, the students demonstrated that technology is not only a tool for commercial gain, but can also be a powerful force for social change, contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life.
