An extraordinary success story that proves that innovation has no age in the world of technology is emerging from Türkiye. Quantum Team, consisting of 6th grade students of Fehmi Ekşioğlu Secondary School in Istanbul, developed a domestic and smart shoe platform that will radically change the lives of visually impaired individuals. This young entrepreneurial group, which set out without any external support, managed to become first in the Marmara Region and then the Champion of Turkey with the “Guiding Feet” project they prepared. This groundbreaking initiative in the field of wearable technology has now set its sights on the world finals to be held in South Korea.  

A Circle of Security Beyond Traditional Canes

For visually impaired individuals, urban life poses significant risks at every step due to obstacles, potholes and sudden pavement changes that cannot be noticed before. While the classical white canes used today are insufficient to perceive the environment, current technological solutions cannot be integrated into daily life due to their high costs and constant charging requirements.  

The Guide Feet Platform developed by the Quantum Team creates a digital security circle around the visually impaired individual. The system minimizes dependence on a physical object, allowing users to move with both hands free, in a completely natural walking rhythm.  

Smart Detection and Latency-Free Voice Guidance

The special module integrated into the front of the shoe works like a pair of eyes. The ultrasonic and depth sensors in this module detect and map obstacles on the walking path within milliseconds. The distance and pothole information obtained is transformed into an audible warning via Bluetooth headset technology without any delay and guides the user instantly.  

Telegram Integration for Emergencies

The security layer of the project is not limited to just detecting flaws. The electronic control circuit and processor module placed inside the smart shoe also monitors possible accident situations. If the user suddenly falls, the system immediately detects this and sends an emergency notification with the instant live position to family members or pre-determined individuals via Telegram Emergency Line.  

The Real Revolution: Piezoelectric Base That Doesn’t Require Charging

One of the biggest barriers to wearable technology devices and smart assistants is battery life. Quantum Team solves this problem in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way when designing smart shoe architecture.

Highly efficient piezoelectric generators located on the sole of the shoe convert the mechanical pressure created by each step the user takes into electrical power. In this way, the system produces its own electricity without needing an external wired charging source. The user can operate the system uninterruptedly by simply walking.  

Modular Design Compatible with Every Shoe

Guide Feet is not a project that has to stick to just one shoe model. The upper body of the system is designed in a magnetic and waterproof modular structure. Thanks to this cosmic design language, users can easily integrate the device into any brand and model of shoe they want within seconds.  

A Success Story Starting from Scratch: The Destination is South Korea

The enterprising team, consisting of 5 brilliant 6th grade students named Ahmet Mert Buldu, Alya Bakır, Ece Adıgüzel, Furkan Dulundu and Burhan Ay, set out on this long journey entirely with their own means. With their first prototype, they placed at the top of the Entrepreneurship and Health Technologies category at The MaestRobot Robotics Marmara Regional Tournament held in Istanbul. With the second version they prepared by rapidly developing the project, they left behind all their strong Competitors in the National Championship in Antalya and received the title of Turkish Champion.  

Fighting in the Global Arena with More than 50 Countries

This great success has opened the doors of international innovation to the domestic project. Young inventors were invited to Robotex International Finals, one of the world’s most prestigious robotics organizations based in Estonia. The world finals, where thousands of engineers, students and technology leaders from more than 50 countries will come together, will be held at the Songdo Convensia Convention Center in Incheon, South Korea. Quantum Team is preparing to both represent the country and showcase its projects in front of global brands by waving the Turkish flag here.  

The process planning in front of the team is quite clear. While official applications and logistics processes are carried out in June, the production of the 3rd generation prototype with piezoelectric generator optimization is completed in September. The grand finale and the world stage are set in South Korea in November. The march of these local and visionary young minds in the global arena is closely followed by the technology world.