18-Year-Old Khalifa Aminu Creates Sensory Glasses for the Visually Impaired

He’s on a mission to revolutionize the lives of visually impaired people!

Last year, 18-year-old Khalifa Aminu from Kano, Nigeria, began working on an innovative invention: sensory glasses designed to help the visually impaired navigate safely and independently without a walking stick. Though still in development, this creation has the potential to transform how visually impaired people experience their surroundings, Daily News 24 reports.

Khalifa’s passion for invention was sparked by his love for movies, which inspired him to start building. His first project, a canoe, revealed his talent for creating solutions that benefit his community. Since then, he has developed various devices, including a radio station, bomb detector, and automatic water sprayer for farmers—all without external support or mass production materials, he told the outlet.

The sensory glasses he’s developing are equipped with infrared sensors to detect nearby objects. In a video shared on TikTok by The 77 Percent, Khalifa discussed plans to enhance the glasses with a voice prompt to replace the beeping sound and improve their functionality in low-light conditions. He says his drive comes from the many people in his hometown who struggle with vision impairments.

@dw_the77percent Khalifa Aminu from Kano State has invented a remarkable device called a blind eye sensor. This device helps people who are visually impaired move around without needing a stick. We spoke with him to learn more about his invention! #technology #technologynews #invention #inventions #nigeria #nigerian #nigeriatiktok #nigeriatiktok?????? #nigerians ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) - SUNNY HOOD STUDIO

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