Makapo Aquatics Project

(Mar. 2023 – Present)

Introducing our unique solution, crafted specifically for visually impaired adventurers, enabling them to independently navigate and paddle canoes across the sea.

Makapo Sport Team at Newport Aquatic Center & Our Cooperative Outrigger Paddling (CoOP)System

Development Process

From brainstorming to prototyping, we gave it many thoughts to our approach. Visually impaired paddlers have traditionally relied on multi-person canoes or the assistance of a coach to paddle alongside or ride behind them to provide directional guidance during training. But what is the best way for visually impaired people to paddle canoes safely?

The team decided to design a system that allows canoes to be remotely controlled. Utilizing a transmitter and receiver setup similar to those employed in remote-control cars, our device enables visually impaired paddlers to paddle independently while a coach, paddling behind them, can remotely control the direction.

Technical Detail

Schematic of the remote control system, showing the coach's unit with a transmitter and joystick (left), and the paddler's unit with a receiver, servo motor, and indicators (right)
PCB design for both the receiver and transmitter using the nRF24 radio module