A 14-year-old student built a smart bracelet as a low-cost alternative to expensive models

Innovations by Oleksandra Maksymenko

According to Главком: Oleksandra Maksymenko, a 14-year-old student from the Zhytomyr region, has developed two notable inventions: a smart bracelet for visually impaired individuals and a laser toy for cats. Both creations earned awards at national competitions, highlighting their innovation and practical value. She attends Yosypivka Gymnasium, where she brings her ideas to life with guidance from teacher Arkadii Petrovskyi.

The smart bracelet uses an ultrasonic sensor to alert its wearer about nearby obstacles. It includes a power button and is designed to assist people who are blind or have partial vision loss. Oleksandra decided to build the bracelet after learning that comparable devices cost thousands of hryvnias-with one similar model priced at no less than 26,000 hryvnias.

“If a person with visual impairment or partial vision loss encounters an obstacle, like a desk or table, a special sensor sends out a sound signal. This is important for people who cannot independently determine safe movement without assistance,”

Oleksandra Maksymenko

In addition to the smart bracelet, Oleksandra also created a laser toy for kittens, which likewise received recognition at a national competition. The toy is powered by an Arduino platform, which serves as its operational core.

“Inside the box, there is an Arduino board. On top, there are wires and a laser that rotate. The kitten sees this light, gets curious, and starts to play,”

Oleksandra Maksymenko

Oleksandra's Upcoming Plans

Currently, Oleksandra and Arkadii Petrovskyi are working on a new project: an automated system to count people in the gymnasium's shelter. “We want to build an automated system in our gymnasium shelter that tracks how many children and staff enter and exit. The count results will be displayed on a large monitor,” Petrovskyi explained.

Oleksandra plans to present this new invention at the Junior Academy of Sciences competition in 2027, reflecting her ambition and drive to grow in the fields of science and technology.

Oleksandra Maksymenko's innovative projects showcase the potential of young inventors in Ukraine and their ability to address social issues through technology. By creating affordable solutions for people with disabilities and a toy for pets, she demonstrates the courage and creativity of the younger generation, as well as the importance of supporting young talent in educational institutions. Her work can serve as an inspiration for other students and a catalyst for innovation in Ukraine.

As young innovators like Oleksandra Maksymenko make significant strides in technology, the importance of fostering creativity among students becomes increasingly clear. This aligns with the recent announcement that sixty Ukrainian students will participate in a prestigious tech expo, showcasing the potential of the next generation in the tech industry.