February 10, 2015

“Jugend forscht” Participants develop Cane for the Blind with five-meter Range

HOERBIGER sponsors the alpine upland regional competition

Sensors providing better orientation for the blind – with this invention two young men from Sonthofen hope to win the “Jugend forscht” and “Schüler experimentieren” events. The HOERBIGER-sponsored regional competitions will take place at the end of February for the eleventh time in the alpine upland region. A total of 131 participants with59 projects have registered. This year’s motto: “Here we go again”.

Following this motto, the junior scientists are exhibiting a wide range of exciting and innovative projects. Two highschoolers from Sonthofen have devised an orientation aid for the visually impaired, which is attached to their guide cane. The device is equipped with sensors used to measure distance. Optical and acoustic sensors with varying sensitivity supply measured data with respect to detection angle, range and resolution. The data is electronically processed and is made audible using signals that are variously modulated. Unlike relying on the cane alone, the user can not only perceive the immediate surroundings, but can detect objects at an average range up to five meters.

“It is always fascinating to see the energy and enthusiasm the participants devote to their projects when developing and presenting them,” stated Kerstin Giebel, HOERBIGER's sponsorship appointee for "Jugend forscht." She continued: “The young scientists are highly motivated, creative and persistent. Because of this, we are pleased to encourage and support these young people.”

As in past years, endeavors covered the areas of the working environment, biology, chemistry, mathematics/IT, physics, as well as technology. Whether working alone, in pairs or in teams of three, the young researchers have spent months discussing scientific issues and developing prototypes, while carefully documenting all their activities.

On February 24 and 25, they will have the opportunity to present their creative ideas and projects to the public. All submissions for the regional “Jugend forscht” and “Schüler experimentieren” competitions will be exhibited on Tuesday, February 24 from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm and on Wednesday, February 25 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Peiting Schlossberghalle and evaluated by an expert judging panel. The best projects in each category will qualify for the state competitions which are scheduled for March 25 to 27 in Regensburg ("Jugend forscht"), and April 27 to 28 in Dingolfing ("Schüler experimentieren"). The winners of these events will participate in the national competition in Ludwigshafen.

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