DotSense: A 3D-Printed Refreshable Text-to-Braille Translator Device

Braille displays are essential tools for visually impaired individuals, yet their high cost remains a significant barrier to accessibility, especially in underdeveloped regions. DotSense is a low-cost, 3D-printed, refreshable text-to-Braille translator designed to address this challenge. By leveraging electromagnetic motors and camshaft mechanisms, the device provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional piezoelectric actuators. Integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller and a mobile application, DotSense utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to translate digital text into Grade 1 Braille. The compact, ergonomic design ensures portability and usability. Prototyping and testing confirm its functionality and accuracy. Despite challenges such as power dependency and reading speed limitations, DotSense represents a significant step toward making Braille technology more accessible, especially for educational and personal use in resource-constrained settings.