YOUNG SCIENTIST: RAJ CHOURASIA
Raj Chourasia, a Class 10 student at SR Public Senior Secondary School in Kota, Rajasthan, is deeply committed to addressing social issues through sustainable development initiatives. Chourasia has developed two remarkable innovations: An AI-powered shoe to assist the visually impaired and prevent child kidnapping, and an online fuel delivery service aimed at improving access to fuel in rural areas.
The first project, named ‘The AI Shoe,’ is an invention designed to tackle the distressing issue of child kidnapping.
Furthermore, this innovative project serves as a valuable aid for the visually challenged, offering them enhanced
awareness of their immediate surroundings. The project operates on the foundation of IoT-based technology.
The AI Shoe can be fitted with environmental sensors that detect the atmosphere around you. These sensors can monitor light, sound, altitude, and more. Additionally, they have an internal sensor that monitors the shoe’s battery
life. Yes, these shoes use a battery to run, and you need to charge them to keep them going. However, they can last
up to two weeks on a single charging.
Talking to Science India about the uniqueness of this technology, Chourasia said: “The AI Shoe shows live location and can send the location as message. These details can be shared with parents or guardian, so that they know the location of the child.”
The second initiative, the Fuel Delivery Service, is specifically tailored to address the challenges faced in rural areas, which Chourasia has keenly observed during his interactions across towns and cities. This app serves the needs of farmers and other individuals requiring access to petrol, diesel, or kerosene. By reducing the necessity for long journeys to urban centres, this project reduces the struggles faced by people seeking fuel for machinery and tools in
rural regions. The initiative utilises AI for various purposes such as 24/7 chat assistance, automatic bill generation,
fraud prevention, and better recommendations for fuel stations.
“Users can request fuel delivery directly to their preferred location without the need to visit a physical gas station. This is particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses with busy schedules, remote locations, or limited access to gas stations. Overall, a fuel delivery application revolutionizes the way fuel is supplied and consumed,” Chourasia told Science India.
A user can sign up for the fuel delivery app and set up the profile by sharing the delivery address and linking the preferred payment method. The user chooses the kind of fuel and the delivery time window (usually it’s a 4-hour window). The user, after placing the order, unlocks the tracking of fuel delivery.
Chourasia’s initiatives have not gone unnoticed. He has received the Inspired Manak Award from the Government of
India’s Department of Science & Technology. Additionally, he has been recognised by Young Scientists of India (YSI)
and Youth Ideation, among others. He was a finalist for the Most Innovative Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Award
because of his socially relevant and AIpowered initiatives, which have real-life applications.
Chourasia’s passion for innovation and social impact began at a young age. His interest in technology and its potential to solve real-world problems led him to participate in various science fairs and competitions. He has been mentored by his teachers and has received support from his school to pursue his projects. He is also an active member of the school’s science club, where he collaborates with fellow students on various technological projects
Beyond his school activities, Chourasia is involved in community service, often volunteering to teach basic computer skills to underprivileged children in his locality. His dedication to making a difference extends beyond his inventions, as he aims to inspire other young minds to think creatively and use technology for the greater good.
Chourasia’s plans include furthering his education in computer science and engineering, with a focus on Artificial
Intelligence and its applications in solving societal issues. He aspires to establish his tech startup that will continue
to develop innovative solutions for the challenges faced by communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
