Recent graduate in Automobile Engineering at SRM University in Chennai, Manisha Mohan, is understandably on cloud nine, having gained entry into the prestigious MIT Media Lab in the USA. A crucible for innovation and experimentation,   the Lab works to create disruptive technologies that happen at the edges, pioneering such areas as wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and affective computing.   

 

If gaining entry to study for her MS was not  creditable  enough, Manisha went on to secure a Research Assistantship covering full tuition and health insurance, with a stipend of USD 2566 to boot. “ My dream has come true”, said an excited Manisha on receiving the news,  “ my passion is innovation, and I believe the enabling environment at MIT Media Lab will provide a channel for the many creative ideas I have”, she went on to add. With a never say die attitude, Manisha landed the coveted position after several gruelling interviews by Skype.

 

One of her creative ideas that saw the light of day at SRM University, was her invention of the world’s first anti-rape device that protects women from rape, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Christened Society Harnessing Equipment or SHE, the device was both ingenious and clever, combining the disciplines of micro-processing, control, electronics and communications. When the modesty of a women is violated, the devise provides a 3800kv electric shock capable of causing severe burns, and simultaneously sending out a message, through an embedded GPRS system, to the police with location details.  The device is being patented.

 

 

“The entire electronics is contained in the bi layer fabric”, explained Manisha, “the first layer provides insulation to the woman, while the current flows in the closed loop”, she went on to add. When pressure is applied by touch the closed loop gets actuated, and the circuit breaks causing a 3800kv electric shock capable of causing severe burns. Almost instantaneously, the device sends out a message to alert the dear ones of the victim, and the police with location, through an embedded GPRS system. SHE, which is being patented, is an innerwear, or bra to be precise, actuated with sensors and electric shock circuit board, and sensitive to squeeze, pinch and grab over a woman’s bosom.