A BAHRAINI man plans to empower people with special needs through a smart doorbell innovation.
Mohammed Salman, aged 31, has invented a smart doorbell device that allows deaf people to receive text notifications when someone knocks on their door.
Mr Salman, who is the product engineering head at Bahraini start-up OneGCC, told the GDN that he has started the testing phase of the new device and has received positive feedback.
“The idea is to empower people of determination in the country through using new technology,” he said.
“I have used the Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) Internet of Thing (IoT) button that is a simple Wi-Fi device and is used by developers globally.
“This button is programmed to the mobile phone of the person in order to receive notifications every time a guest arrives and presses the AWS IoT button placed on the door.”
The smart doorbell device is in its trial phase and has been installed at a Bahraini household, where one of the members is hearing impaired.
“They absolutely loved the smart doorbell, which alerts the person on their phone by sending a text message,” added Mr Salman.
“Deaf people cannot know when someone knocks on the door or if a doorbell rings, but with this invention they get an instant text message stating that someone is at the door.”
Mr Salman said he intended to promote the concept among the deaf community in Bahrain – adding that future plans include programming the device in several languages, including Arabic and English and the possibility of connecting to smart lights.
“The smart doorbell can also be configured to send text messages to family members in case of an emergency,” he explained.
“Technology can be used to empower people with special needs through new innovations.”
He said that he was inspired by the speech of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, at the Future Investment Initiative held in Riyadh last October. “It was a really inspiring speech by His Royal Highness in which he said innovation will have to be the engine of our economies in the future,” he added.
“People with special needs don’t need financial support but what will help them is technology that will make their lives easier.”
Mr Salman has also contributed in the development and support of over 80 services provided by the national portal bahrain.bh and the Information and eGovernment Authority kiosks development.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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