Argentine student wins Harvard hackathon with AI device for the blind

Martín Pulitano, a 20-year-old computer engineering student from Argentina, led a team to win the top prize at the HackHarvard 2026 competition. The team developed ‘FEEL’, an assistive device designed to enhance mobility and autonomy for visually impaired individuals.

Unlike traditional tools that rely on sound, FEEL uses sensors to detect obstacles up to five meters away. The system translates this information into tactile feedback by using small pins that apply gentle pressure to the user's hand, indicating the position and location of objects. The prototype integrates 3D-printed hardware, motors, and a mobile application powered by artificial intelligence and image recognition.

Developed during an intensive 36-hour hackathon alongside a diverse international team, the project was built with a minimal investment of approximately 70 dollars. In addition to the grand prize, the project received the ‘Hardware for Good’ mention and a distinction from the firm Chalk.