CoCA - Connected Crosswalk Assistance
The first walking cane for visually impaired individuals that allows them to remotely activate crosswalk signals
What is CoCA?
CoCA, or Connected Crosswalk Assistance, is a startup that aims to provide a reliable and efficient walking cane for visually impaired individuals that allows them to remotely activate crosswalks from their walking cane. Our organization utilizes computer vision, electrical circuitry, and software development in order to create the walking cane.

Our smart walking cane offers a variety of key features that ensure the safety of visually impaired individuals. Most notably, our cane remotely activates crosswalks, eliminating the need for users to search for the activation button. Additionally, our product notifies users of potential dangers in their path in addition to preventing individuals from veering off of the crosswalk path.
Our Teams

CoCA is divided into four distinct teams that each handle different aspects of our walking cane
Software

The software team will be responsible for the coding of the walking cane including the coding of the Arduino electronics. Additionally, the software team will be developing a computer vision algorithm that will allow visually-impaired users identify if they were walking on the designated path.

Engineering

The engineering team will be responsible for the computer-aided design (CAD) as well as the electronic circuitry of the walking cane. The engineering team will work hand in hand with the software and research teams in order to create the best possible walking can for the visually-impaired community.

Business

The business team plays a crucial role in fundraising and securing grants for our organization in order to help run our startup. Additionally, the business team focuses on gaining exclusive rights to our technology by applying for utility and design patents on certain components of our walking cane.

Research

The research team will look into newer and more advanced technologies that would assist the other teams when designing or building the walking cane. Additionally, the research team will also be in charge of publishing papers regarding the team's progress as well as further steps that will be taken.