NED students showcase AI, IoT innovations for a better future

Students showcase solutions tackling real-world challenges, from aiding visually impaired to optimising solar energy

The final year students of the NED University of Engineering and Technology showcased their exceptional creativity and technical inventiveness at an exhibition. Their latest inventions included a smart sensor stick for visually impaired, a drone for cleaning solar panels, 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. Priced affordably at Rs3,000, the stick is equipped with audio and ultrasonic sensors that detects obstacles in the user’s path, alerting them through sound and vibration.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Rohan 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 for 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 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 AI 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 conserves water but also saves time and energy by cleaning only the panels that are dirty, thereby reducing unnecessary resource consumption. This system is especially beneficial for large solar farms, where maintaining cleanliness of panels is crucial for efficiency. Ali added that the drone can operate autonomously, enhancing its usefulness in large-scale solar installations.

In the field of safety and security, another student unveiled a fire and smoke detection mechanism, aimed at enhancing 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 big industrial units, making it an essential tool for improving safety standards. The innovation is particularly timely, given the rising awareness of fire hazards and the need for better preventive measures across the country.

Other standout projects at the exhibition included a renewable energy estimation system, an intelligent vehicle parking solution, and improvements in additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes. Each of these projects demonstrated the students' commitment to addressing pressing social and industrial challenges through technological innovation.

The intelligent vehicle parking system is designed to optimise parking spaces in urban areas, easing 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 generation from solar panels, helping to optimise energy use in homes and businesses.

The students stressed that their projects were not just academic exercises, but practical solutions aimed at real-world problems, fostering 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 advancements.

Through these projects, the students demonstrated that technology is not just a tool for commercial gain but can also be a powerful force for social change, contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life.