Last year, we walked away knowing we had more to give. This year, we came back stronger, pushed each other to the limit—and together, we won. Proof that perseverance and teamwork pay off
— February 2025

MakeHarvard 2025

EchoPath – AI-Powered Smart Cane

MakeHarvard 2025 | Award: Most Interactive Design

At MakeHarvard, Harvard University's premier hardware hackathon, my team and I designed EchoPath, an AI-powered smart cane to assist the visually impaired. In just 24 hours, we combined mechanical design, computer vision, electronics, and rapid prototyping to bring our idea to life.

EchoPath uses computer vision models trained in both indoor and outdoor environments to recognize obstacles such as chairs, doors, stairs, traffic lights, cars, and crosswalks. It provides real-time audio feedback using language models and haptic feedback through micro-vibration motors, offering intuitive navigation assistance. An ergonomically designed, 3D-printed handle ensures comfort and adaptability for users with varying grip styles.

Out of 15 competing teams, EchoPath was awarded “Most Interactive Design,” highlighting our focus on accessibility, innovation, and human-centered engineering.

Team Members:
Anton Garcia-Abril Beca | Jake Garrett | Taha Ababou | Myself