Braillant
Assistive Braille Learning Device
We conceived an idea to solve braille illiteracy among visually impaired children: a machine that enables independent and personalised play-based learning through integration with LEGO Braille Bricks.
Engineering Design/Group Project
(Worked in team of two, personally focused on mechanical design/CAD/user research/product design)
This is the more engineering-oriented version, you’re welcome to check out the more designy one :
Problem:
Braille plays a vital role in the education of visually impaired children
However, there are various obstacles that impede the effectiveness of learning Braille:
Braille teachers are in severe shortage
Current teaching heavily relies on individual companion
Traditional learning methods of Braille are unattractive to children
Reluctance towards Braille due to audio technologies and big learning cost
Teaching plan of Braille should be highly individualised due to various conditions of the children
Solution?
A machine that enables independent and personalized play-based learning through integration with LEGO Braille Bricks
LEGO Braille Bricks?
Existing games help children with spelling and simple maths
Existing platform developed by LEGO
Similar to ordinary 2x4 LEGO bricks but with studs arranged as Braille alphabet
As a tangible way of learning through playing
Essentially, we made
an assistive Braille learning device that
lays out the bricks to set up the game, and checks the answers after, enabling independent play-based learning
The prototype is made out of V-slot extrusion bars and laser cut acrylic sheets.
Stepper motors drive the X and Y axis movement of the grabber, and the grabber picks up bricks from storage and put it down on the LEGO board.
PROTOTYPE OVERVIEW
PROTOTYPING
Gantry plate belt clamp (3D Printed)
The stepper motors and servos in the grabber are controlled by the control board Ramps 1.4 through Arduino
Grabber (Laser cut)
Storage (3D Printed)
To store all the bricks.
LEGO board for laying out bricks. Designed as a ‘drawer’ so children can take it away and play it anywhere
Drawer (Laser cut + CNC milled)
Electrics
USER CASE
1.
Twist the rotatory switch to select the game and hear it announced through the speaker.
2.
After selecting the game, the device will set up the game by picking up corresponding bricks and laying them down on the base plate drawer. The user can take out the tray and play anywhere.
3.
The user can now arrange the bricks to form the correct word. (Spare bricks will be given to choose the right answer)
4.
After finishing the game, the user now just need to insert the drawer back to Braillant. The camera will scan the bricks to check the answer. It will announce the result and the feedback, and it will empty the LEGO board and sort the bricks back in the storage.
