How can swimming become more independent and safe for people with visual impairments? This question inspired Selina Przyjemski, graduate in Electrical and Information Technology. She developed a smart turn-assist system that helps blind and visually impaired swimmers orient themselves in the pool without needing a guide at the poolside. Her work has now been awarded the prize for Best Bachelor Thesis at the FHNW School of Engineering and School of Computer Science and is nominated for the Siemens Excellence Award 2026.
For many visually impaired swimmers, reaching the end of the lane is a moment of uncertainty. Traditional support requires another person to signal when to turn. Professor Hanspeter Schmid from the Institute of Sensors and Electronics had long wondered whether technology could offer more autonomy and invited students to explore the idea.
Selina Przyjemski took on the challenge. “I loved that the project was meaningful and that I could build something entirely new,” she says.
Finding a reliable way to measure distance in water turned out to be tough. Cameras failed due to reflections and privacy issues; ultrasound and radar also proved unreliable.
The breakthrough came with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio technology, normally used in indoor logistics to track goods. Przyjemski adapted UWB for use near water and achieved the precise distance measurements needed for swimmers.
Her system works with:
- a small transmitter worn on the swimmer’s head
- receivers positioned at each end of the pool
- vibration signals that intensify as the swimmer approaches the wall
From gentle pulses over five metres away to continuous vibration under two metres: The system clearly signals when it’s time to turn.
Trials with a blind test swimmer showed how easy the system is to use. More importantly, it increases autonomy and safety, supporting everything from relaxed training to competitive swimming.
Program Director Prof. Sebastian Gaulocher praises the achievement: “What looks simple at the end is usually hard to achieve. Selina developed a user-friendly, practical tool grounded in complex technology and she pushed through every challenge with impressive perseverance.”
More information (in German): Smart Turn-Assist
