A student team in Pakistan creates an interactive Braille learning system to improve learning for children who are blind.
In Pakistan, more than 1.5 million individuals are blind, including thousands of children who face significant barriers to accessing essential learning resources (The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, 2024). These challenges stem from outdated educational tools, such as the slate and stylus, which are not only difficult to use but also lack the interactivity needed to support meaningful learning.
To address the need for accessible learning tools, a student team from the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) and the IEEE Karachi Section, launched their EPICS in IEEE project titled “BrailleGenAI: Empowering Braille Learning with Edge AI and Voice Interaction.”
Innovating Accessibility: What is BrailleGenAI?
BrailleGenAI is “a high-tech, interactive Braille learning system designed for children who are blind using a combination of Edge AI, Generative AI, and embedded systems,” explains Kainat Fizzah Muhammad, the team’s project lead. “The system uses a camera to recognize tactile Braille blocks placed by the child, providing real-time audio feedback through text-to-speech.”
The system features gamified modules such as “Word Game,” “Equation Game,” “Shape Game,” “Storytelling,” “Question & Answer,” and “Animal Sound Identification.” “These [interactive] modules are designed to support literacy, numeracy, logical reasoning, and audio recognition,” Kainat adds. Student performance is tracked based on score, speed, and errors, and shared with caregivers or teachers via a connected app.
“BrailleGenAI is more than just a project–it’s a step toward inclusive innovation,” shares Dr. Attiya Baqai, the team’s project mentor. “Our student teams are creating a high-tech tool that empowers blind learners to independently explore and enjoy Braille literacy.”
The team partnered with HANDS Welfare Foundation Pakistan, a non-profit organization known for its work in inclusive education, disability empowerment, and community development. The team also collaborated with the Ida Rieu School for the blind and deaf working under Ida Rieu Welfare Association – (IRWA). “These partnerships has been instrumental in helping us plan outreach, gather input from experts and caregivers, and prepare for usability testing across diverse environments,” says Dr. Attiya Baqai. HANDS support ensured that the solution was shaped by the real-world needs of the visually impaired community.
While developing the system, the team faced obstacles in importing the Jetson AGX Orin 64GB, an AI developer tool, and limitations with the Jetson Nano 2GB, an AI performance tool. “We adapted by focusing on dataset generation and modular testing,” project team member Aamir Ali explains. “Facing hardware limitations and integration issues taught us how to troubleshoot effectively, collaborate across domains, and maintain momentum despite delays.”
Empowering Change: Impact, Insights, and Team Reflection
The BrailleGenAI learning tool is set to benefit thousands of children in underserved communities where access to high-tech educational tools is minimal. “By using tactile blocks, voice-based interaction, and audio-feedback systems, the tool encourages independent learning, boosts confidence, and enhances social engagement,” Kainat shares.
One of the team’s proudest accomplishments is being selected as one of the top five finalist teams at the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), organized in collaboration with WIPO and IPO-Pakistan. “This recognition validated the innovation and social relevance of our work on a national platform,” Kainat says.
Looking ahead, the team plans to continue deploying BrailleGenAI models in their community. They aim to conduct usability testing at their partner school and finalize the progress monitoring dashboard for caregivers and educators.
Dr. Baqai reflects on the experience, stating, “It’s been a privilege to mentor this initiative, alongside Engr. Arsha Kumari, Dr. Rizwan Qureshu, and Engr. Inamullah, as a collaborative team committed to making a meaningful impact through technology guided by empathy.”
The team is grateful for the funding from EPICS in IEEE and the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society. “[The funding] enabled us to produce high-performance but expensive hardware, prototype our solution, and organize community visits. Without it, real-time deployment and testing wouldn’t be feasible,” Kainat explains.
This transformative project was made possible by $9,155 in funding from the Solid-State Circuits Society, an EPICS in IEEE partner. Thank you for your incredible support, which has allowed EPICS in IEEE students to make a difference in Pakistan.
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