Students present solutions to real-world challenges, from helping the visually impaired to optimizing solar energy.
Final year students of NED University of Engineering and Technology showcased their exceptional creativity and technical inventiveness at an exhibition. Their latest inventions included a smart sensor for the visually impaired, a drone for cleaning solar panels, a fire and smoke detector, and a smart parking system for vehicles.
A total of 27 projects were exhibited, with AI and IoT innovations attracting the most attention due to their potential to transform industries and improve living standards.
One of the most impressive innovations came from Syed Rohan, a student in the electrical engineering department, who demonstrated a smart sensor key designed specifically for the visually impaired. Priced at an affordable Rs 3,000, the stick is equipped with audio and ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles in the user’s path, alerting them through sound and vibration.
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubRohan said that while the base model was highly functional, the device could be further improved using machine learning to help distinguish between different objects, such as vehicles, bicycles or walls.
This would enable a more intuitive experience for users, making the device even more effective in real-world settings. The low cost of the stick makes it an accessible tool for visually impaired people, allowing them to navigate their environment 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 AI to automatically detect dust and dirt on the solar panels and activate its cleaning mechanism.
Shayan Ali, one of the developers behind the project, said the system not only saves water, but also time and energy by cleaning only dirty panels, thereby reducing unnecessary resource consumption. This system is particularly beneficial for large solar farms, where maintaining panel cleanliness is crucial for efficiency. Ali added that the drone can operate autonomously, enhancing its usefulness in large-scale solar installations.
In the area of safety and security, another student unveiled a fire and smoke detection mechanism, aimed at enhancing safety in residential and industrial environments. The system is designed to detect smoke or fire at an early stage and sound an alarm, thereby preventing major accidents and saving lives.
This detection system can be easily installed in homes, factories as well as large industrial units, making it an essential tool for improving safety standards. This innovation is timely, given the growing awareness of fire risks and the need for better preventative measures across the country.
Other notable projects at the exhibition include a renewable energy estimation system, a smart vehicle parking solution and improvements to additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes. Each of these projects demonstrated students’ commitment to addressing pressing social and industrial challenges through technological innovation.
The intelligent vehicle parking system is designed to optimize parking spaces in urban areas, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing 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 only academic exercises, but also practical solutions aimed at real-world problems, promoting innovation and applied research in Pakistan. Focusing on social impact technologies, the exhibition highlighted the potential of local students to contribute to global technological advancements.
Through these projects, students demonstrated that technology is not only a tool for commercial profit, but can also be a powerful force for social change, contributing to sustainable development and improving quality of life.
