STEM (Assistive Technology)
Each group works on an Assistive Technology Engineering Project for two months. Students can choose projects of their liking, ranging from mobility aids to communication devices and more. Students start with in-depth research, then move on to prototyping, and finally complete the design brief for the class. Students also take part in the science fair/open house. This course is taught by Dr. Kevin Crowthers, also known as the STEM Overlord.
AuSense: A Sensory Overload Detector
STEM II Engineering Project — Team Technado
Varsha Alladi (CEO), Anshu Adiga (CTO), Harshil Hari (CTO), Jackson Whitley (CIO), Hasini Gujjari (CMO)
Problem Statement
People experiencing Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often encounter a serious symptom known as sensory overload. Although anyone can face sensory overload, it is more common and frequent in people who are diagnosed with autism. Sensory overload is characterized by excessive sensory stimuli from sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell (Marco et al., 2011). The most common unstable stimulus is auditory sensory processing. Another common stimulus that can be hard to process for people diagnosed with ASD is “tactile sensory processing,” or hyperstimulation to light and particular clothing (Marco et al., 2011). Some of the major symptoms of sensory overload include headaches, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, or muscle tension. Currently, most signs of sensory overload in individuals who are diagnosed with autism are usually behavioral and are hard to detect until it is too late (Balasco et al., 2020). To combat this, a device that can sense and notify the user or a caretaker of the user that they might be feeling sensory overload can be extremely beneficial.
Project Overview & Design Approach
To effectively detect sensory overload, our assistive device – AuSense – is equipped with sensors that monitor physical signals of distress, such as an increase in heart rate. These physiological changes are known to be reliable indicators of sensory overload (McCormick et al., 2014). Since sensitivity to different external stimuli is unique to each individual, the device allows users to input specific sensory thresholds—like brightness tolerance, noise sensitivity, or other quantifiable triggers—making the device more effective and user-friendly.
Different people have varying sensory thresholds, which influence their susceptibility to sensory overload episodes (Melnick et al., 2013). Visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli can all be triggers, and their effects are compounded in individuals with autism. For example, excessive visual input or loud sounds may provoke anxiety and distress, while strong odors can also contribute to sensory overload episodes (MacLennan et al., 2021). Regardless of the trigger, the outcome is physical discomfort and behavioral changes.
Sensory overload impacts daily life by making it difficult for individuals with autism to participate in activities, navigate environments, and engage in social situations. Assistive technology can help by alerting caretakers when harmful stimuli are present, increasing safety and comfort for people with autism. It is essential to design these technologies with user involvement to ensure real-world accessibility and usefulness.
Device Components
| Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| EmotiBit | Heart rate sensing |
| ESP32 board | Connects AuSense app to all sensors |
| Battery | Powers ESP32 and EmotiBit |
| Sound Sensor | Senses and returns sound in decibels |
| Light Sensor | Senses and returns light intensity in lux |
| Glove | Wearable platform for mounting sensors |
Instruction Manual
- Download AuSense app
- Plug device into battery to enable sensors and turn on ESP32 board
- Connect device to pre-configured wifi
- Connect to the device via Bluetooth through the app
- Customize your thresholds for light, sound, and heart rate
- Secure device on the user's hand using the glove
- Watch real-time light, sound, and heart rate data
- If any measurement passes the user-set threshold, the statistic is marked in red and an alert is sent
- If you see elevated heart rate or sensory overload triggers, leave the environment for safety
Care, Maintenance & Safety
- Charge every 1–2 days with the included charger
- Avoid getting the sensors wet; the device is not waterproof
- Do not shake or throw the device; wires could loosen
- Not a medical device
- Not for children under 6 (choking hazard, electrical parts)
- Stop use if skin irritation or discomfort occurs
- Do not expose battery to heat or attempt to replace it
- If overheating occurs, power off and contact support
Current Prototype
Our group developed a wearable glove-based device that detects early symptoms of sensory overload and alerts the user or caregiver. The prototype includes a light sensor (back of the hand), sound sensor (heel of glove), and heart rate sensor (wrist). These sensors are positioned for both functionality and comfort.
Level 1 Requirements
- Detect light
- Detect sound
- Detect heart rate
- Analyze sensory stimuli
- Working app
- Wearable and comfortable
- Safe for daily use
- Customizable thresholds
The prototype is fully compliant with all level 1 requirements set in the design phase.
Final Poster Board
View our science fair poster below: