Engineering students develop IoT-based wearable device for women’s safety

Students from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at East Point College of Engineering and Technology (EPCET), Bengaluru, have developed a prototype wearable device aimed at improving women’s safety through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

The project, titled “Smart Women Security System Using IoT,” was developed by students Abhinav Mallappa Radder, Abhishek Gowda M.S., Madhan M.S. and Rekha S under the guidance of Dr. Kesavan M.V. The initiative combines multiple technologies, including GSM communication, GPS tracking, cloud connectivity and sensor-based monitoring, into a compact safety platform.

According to the student team, the wearable device is designed to detect emergency situations such as sudden falls, abnormal movements and distress conditions. Once triggered, the system automatically sends SMS alerts containing the user’s live GPS location to pre-designated family members or emergency contacts. Since the device relies on GSM-based communication, it can continue functioning even when internet connectivity is unavailable, unlike many smartphone-dependent applications.

The prototype incorporates several features intended to support emergency response. Real-time GPS tracking enables location sharing, while accelerometer sensors are used to identify sudden falls and unusual physical activity. An MQ-3 sensor has also been integrated into the system to detect the presence of alcohol in the surrounding environment.

In addition to safety-related functions, the wearable device monitors certain health parameters, including heart rate and body temperature. These readings are uploaded to the Blynk cloud platform, allowing remote access to information. The system also includes a camera activation feature that can assist in documenting incidents during emergencies.

Another component of the prototype is a low-voltage deterrent mechanism intended to provide an immediate response option in distress situations. The students emphasized that the project remains at the prototype stage and would require further testing and regulatory approvals before any practical deployment.

The team reported that the device was tested under controlled conditions and demonstrated reliable performance in terms of GSM connectivity, GPS accuracy and sensor-based monitoring. The results, they said, indicate the potential for combining embedded systems and IoT technologies to address real-world challenges.

Dr. Kesavan M.V., Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and project guide, said the initiative provided students with opportunities to apply concepts related to IoT, communication systems and sensor technologies to a socially relevant problem.

The project also highlights the growing role of student-led innovation in engineering education. By integrating hardware, software and cloud-based technologies, the students were able to gain practical experience while exploring solutions aimed at enhancing personal safety.

The prototype demonstrates how affordable embedded systems and connected technologies can contribute to the development of intelligent safety solutions and encourage further research in the field of smart devices and IoT applications.