Virtually empowering the visually impaired in Bangladesh
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Virtually empowering the visually impaired in Bangladesh

Shahjalal University students help the blind connect the dots with affordable iBraille
Virtually empowering the visually impaired in Bangladesh


Braille, a tactile writing system, is the only way for the visually impaired to survive in this world.

A group of students at Sylhet's Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has just taken it to the next level -- by developing an electronic Braille device that's more affordable.

The six-member team from Robsust, the university's robotics organisation, has, in fact, designed iBraille that allows the blind to read written documents or even PDF files effortlessly on any digital device -- be it a mobile, a laptop or a desktop computer.

Read:SUST support to help students shun stress

The members of the team are Moaz Mohammad Abdul Karim, Irfan Nafiz Shahan, Al-Mubin Khan Nabil, Tasnuva Chowdhury, Arnab Paul and Pramit Dey.

According to the team, this device converts handwriting or digital writing into Braille.

Virtually empowering the visually impaired in Bangladesh

The design of the device resembles a computer mouse attaching braille cells. Through this, a visually impaired person can scan any written document and read the text like everyone else. It can also be connected to a digital display to read what’s on the screen.

Braille displays that are available in the market range from Tk 2 to Tk 6 lakh, making them hardly affordable for many people in Bangladesh. iBraille, on the other hand, costs Tk 9,000 only.

Read:SUST buzzing again as dorms reopen

The use of electromagnetic technology has helped reduce the cost drastically, say the students behind the new device.

SUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed said, “ It is a matter of pride that our students have come up with this exceptional innovation. Our students have shown success in innovation earlier too. I hope these inventions will inspire more students to grow interest in innovations and research in future too."

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Bangladesh Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Braille electronic Braille device braille cells