A 20-year-old engineering student from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, has developed a pair of smart swimming goggles designed to help visually impaired swimmers navigate pools more safely. Called “Untethered,” the innovation uses ultrasonic sensors to detect how close a swimmer is to the pool wall and provides physical alerts through haptic feedback.
The idea was developed by Pasupuleti Ruthvik, whose inspiration came after a friend suffered a concussion in an accident. His goal was to explore how technology could reduce the risk of injuries while allowing visually impaired swimmers to participate in the sport with greater independence.
Unlike conventional swimming aids that may require external assistance, Untethered is designed as a wearable system. The ultrasonic sensing technology continuously monitors the swimmer’s surroundings, while haptic feedback provides a warning as the swimmer approaches a pool wall.
The project has now reached the Top 20 of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026, a national innovation programme that supports young people developing technology-based solutions to real-world problems. Samsung says the programme's Top 20 includes innovations across areas such as accessibility, healthcare, education, sustainability and sports technology.
Ruthvik says he wants Untethered to move beyond being an engineering prototype and eventually become an affordable, scalable assistive technology that can help visually impaired swimmers in India and potentially around the world.
The project will now receive continued mentorship from Samsung experts and FITT-IIT Delhi as the finalists prepare for the Grand Finale on October 14–15, 2026.
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