Ten students from Ryan International School, Sohna Road, won the top national prize for their smart safety wearable, 'Suraksha Sathi.' The award was presented at the Jagran Josh Awards for the device's design, technology, and social impact.
'Suraksha Sathi' Offers Offline Safety Solution
The 'Suraksha Sathi' wearable addresses safety concerns for women and children. Unlike many current solutions, it does not require a smartphone or internet connection to function during emergencies. The device is lightweight and screenless. It can send SOS alerts and real-time GPS locations with a single button press. The system utilizes the GSM network for offline message transmission.
Device Features and Functionality
The band operates using an ESP32 microcontroller. It integrates GPS, GSM, and heart-rate sensors. This allows for preventative features like geo-fencing for child safety. It also offers continuous health monitoring. The design prioritizes simplicity. A single SOS button ensures easy activation during crises. The absence of a screen reduces distractions and maintenance needs.
A companion mobile application, built with React Native and a Node.js backend, supports the wearable. This app alerts parents, schools, and first responders. It provides them with location updates. The GSM capability allows the band to send and receive messages and coordinates without internet access. This ensures reliability in all situations.
Judges Praise Innovation and Impact
Judges commended the project for its low-cost hardware and effective software architecture. They noted the device's real-world applicability. The human-centered design and technical soundness were highlighted as unusual for student projects. The team clearly presented the project's impact. This includes faster emergency response times and increased confidence for users.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
The student team is conducting pilot deployments with local schools and community organizations. These trials aim to refine the device's ergonomics and alert-response processes. The project demonstrates the students' technical skills, leadership, and collaborative efforts.
The 'Suraksha Sathi' initiative showcases how accessible technology can create meaningful societal contributions. The students, Bhubai Mandal, Devika Yadav, Palak Singh, Devansh Upadhyay, Gauransh Sharma, Arya Khatana, Pradyuman Sukhija, Akshra Raghav, Kartik Singh, and Esther Pani, plan to scale the design based on community testing.
