Smart Pedestrian 2-Way Crossing System for the Visually Impaired Using Esp32

Abstract

Traditional pedestrian infrastructure in urban environments heavily relies on visual signals, posing severe safety risks and limiting independent mobility for visually impaired individuals. To address this challenge, this study presents the design and development of a Smart Pedestrian 2-Way Crossing System for the Visually Impaired Using ESP32. Developed through an experimental research design, the prototype integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system (MFRC522 reader) alongside automated audio-visual feedback modules. Visually impaired pedestrians can tap an authorized RFID card or keychain to trigger traffic light transitions that stop vehicle traffic, while simultaneously initiating clear audio guidance to signify when it is safe to cross.
Experimental testing under controlled conditions demonstrated a high system reliability, achieving a 90% success rate in baseline RFID credential detection. Performance benchmarks showed rapid processing capabilities, with the RFID card yielding a response time of 800 ms compared to 950 ms for the keychain alternative. Wireless testing indicated that the ESP32 Wi-Fi module maintains stable data communication with the traffic light infrastructure within an optimal range of 10 to 15 meters. Furthermore, simulation data regarding the walking speeds of visually impaired individuals suggested that a safe crossing configuration requires allocating a minimum duration of 20 seconds for standard lanes spanning 8 to 10 meters. Ultimately, the findings confirm that the proposed system serves as a viable, scalable, and inclusive solution for transforming pedestrian infrastructure and fostering greater independence for visually impaired citizens in Philippine cities.