Fall Prevention Stool

The goal of this project was to create an everyday product enhanced with accessible tech using an Arduino UNO. I wanted to design something functional, approachable, and genuinely helpful, so I decided to focus on fall prevention. I started by building a sturdy stool from scratch using reclaimed mahogany, giving the piece a clean, polished look. Once the physical build was complete, I programmed the Arduino UNO to work with an ultrasonic distance sensor and a buzzer. The sensor was mounted toward the back edge of the stool, calibrated to detect when a user’s foot crossed a certain threshold. If someone stepped too far back while sitting or trying to stand up, the sensor would pick up the motion and trigger the buzzer, providing an auditory warning to prevent the user from falling off the stool. It was a simple, low-cost concept that brought together woodworking, embedded systems, and a bit of accessibility design. I see a lot of potential for expanding on this concept in the future, especially for elder care or physical therapy environments.