18-Year-Old Khalifa Aminu Creates Sensory Glasses That Help Those Who Are Visually Impaired Walk Safely On Their Own

Khalifa Aminu, at 18 years old, is reportedly behind a groundbreaking invention.

It all started in Aminu’s childhood when he grew interested in building things after watching movies, he explained to DailyNews24 TV. That led him to build his first project, a canoe, and it opened his eyes to building intentionally to help out his community.

Born in Kano, Nigeria, he cites other works, including a radio station, a bomb detector, and an automatic water spray for farmers.

“All these inventions were made by me alone, without any support or materials provided for mass production,” Aminu told the outlet.

Aminu’s next invention is now sensory glasses, which can help the visually impaired navigate their steps safely and unassisted. Infrared sensors attached to the glasses are able to detect approaching objects, according a video shared on TikTok by The 77 Percent.

“I grew up in an area where there’s visually impaired people, and I understand what they’re going through. This is why I began the process for a technology-based solution for them,” he said in the video.

While speaking with 2nacheki, he claims he began working on the glasses in 2023 and is still working to complete the invention. He hopes to innovate the product further by inserting a voice prompt over a beeping sound and enhancing it to perform better in nighttime conditions.

“The glasses, it is used to help the blind. It was tested by a blind man, and it impressed him,” he said, according to DailyNews24 TV.  “The blind man suggested four things, and I know a lack of material will hinder me. He suggested a wireless switch, smaller parts, and black lenses. This is what he said he needs, and he will use it if they are implemented.”

To help with product updates, Aminu hopes to gain support from investors. Although he says he has not yet gained support from the government or many foundations, he remains encouraged.

“My advice to young innovators is to use their knowledge to create something, even without waiting for government support,” he said. “This can eventually lead to establishing a company that benefits the community. My dream is to get support of a large factory so that I can have a staff working under me collaborating to advance our knowledge and create technological devices for local use and export.”

In June 2024, the National Commission for Person with Disabilities in Nigeria, led by Dr. James David Lulu, Ph.D., NPOM, shared that it plans to meet with Aminu to assess the invention’s viability and support its further development, according to AIT.

Already planning for future inventions, Aminu has ideas to create a drone for farm irrigation as well as fingerprint or ID card door openers.