Chinese robot ‘guide dog’ aims to improve independence for visually impaired
These robots can meet an underserved demand in China, where traditional service animals are relatively new concepts
A SIX-LEGGED Chinese robot “guide dog” is less furry than a traditional companion, but could one day help visually impaired people live more independently, according to its research development team in Shanghai.
The robot dog, which is currently being field-tested, uses cameras and sensors to navigate its physical environment. This includes recognising traffic light signals, which traditional guide dogs cannot do.
It incorporates artificial intelligence into its voice recognition, route planning and traffic light identification capabilities. This also allows the robot to communicate with its visually impaired user.
Slightly wider than an English bulldog, the robot’s six legs help it to walk smoothly and with maximum stability, the researchers said.
“When three legs are lifted, there are still three legs... like the tripod of a camera. It is the most stable shape,” said Professor Gao Feng, the head of the research team at Jiao Tong University’s School of Mechanical Engineering in Shanghai.
Married couple Li Fei, 41, and Zhu Sibin, 42, are among the visually impaired people helping the Jiao Tong University team test the robot using Chinese-language commands.
Li is completely blind and Zhu sees only a little, normally using a cane to assist him in getting around.
“If this robot guide dog comes onto the market and I could use it, at least it could solve some of my problems in travelling alone,” Li said. “For example, if I want to go to work, the hospital or the supermarket (now) I cannot go out alone and must be accompanied by my family or volunteers.”
Robot guide dogs are also being developed in other countries, including Australia and Britain.
In China, however, there is a shortage of traditional guide dogs. Prof Gao estimates that there are just over 400 guide dogs for almost 20 million blind people.
Pet ownership and service animals are also relatively new concepts in the country. This means that many workplaces, restaurants and other public areas might not welcome traditional guide dogs.
Service dogs will always be limited in supply due to the natural limitations of breeding and the intense training required. However, robot guide dogs can be scaled up, especially in a major manufacturing hub such as China, Prof Gao noted.
“It’s a bit like cars. I can mass-produce them in the same way as cars, so it will become more affordable,” the professor said. “I think this could be a very large market, because there might be tens of millions of people in the world who need guide dogs.” REUTERS
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