AR
UR
Two school students in the UAE have developed a sensor device to help users maintain social distancing with the aim of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Yahia Shadi and Omar Eldestawi are Grade 9 students at GEMS Al Khaleej International School. According to the students, the device can be worn as a belt as it will buzz when an individual comes within a 2-meter distance of the user.
Eldestawi explained that the belt device uses ultrasonic sensors to detect close distance, further sending a buzz or a beep sound to the user to prompt them to maintain social distancing. The sensor will stop when the user is two meters away from another individual.
The students used an algorithm coded on python through the Arduino hardware to detect the distance of two meters. The distance can also be modified on the sensor according to the updated COVID-19 restrictions in the country.
“As the sensor is programmed on Python, we can change all variables anytime and it can be altered easily,” Shadi added.
At the same time, the sensor belt serves as a self-care device, creating awareness among the users to maintain required social distancing with other persons in the surrounding. It helps people in determining the right proximity.
“Sometimes people get close to each other unintentionally, so the device helps them keep the proper distance needed to avoid COVID-19 infections," the students added.
Eldestawi underlined that if the volume in the device is increased, it will also notify other people around the user to step out of the 2-meter zone. Eldestawi added that it will prove highly effective while standing in a queue in a supermarket or waiting for a bus or train. The device will alert people with the beeping sound to ensure social distancing between each other.
Users can easily adjust the belt for other purposes after the end of COVID-19, particularly for people with low immunity who can use it for maintaining social distance in general.
Eldestawi said that parents can also use the sensor to stroller of their babies to stay alerted if anyone would get close to their baby’s strollers.
The students affirmed that the device is aimed at supporting the ongoing efforts of the UAE government in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
“We thought that implementing precautionary measures might need more human power to maintain that consistency all over the country,” Shadi added.
The pair went through a stringent engineering and design process and conducted several trials to reach their targeted goal of accuracy.
They also participated in their school’s STEAM AKIS exhibition day and won first place with more than 3,000 votes.
The students added that six sensors can be added to the device to enhance accuracy and cover a wider area.
"We made sure that the sensor can detect the widest angles at 60 degrees, which is why we need to apply up to six sensors in order to cover the whole area around the user,” Eldestawi explained.
The social distancing sensor will significantly help the government authorities to ensure people act responsibly and maintain social distancing to protect themselves and others from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times