Robot Guide Dog Picks Up Where Man's Best Friend Leaves Off
Source: Utah State University Released: Fri 25-Mar-2005, 09:10 ET
Description
Newswise - A new, one-of-a-kind robot uses the latest technology to help
the visually impaired find their way when traditional guide dogs can't. The
Robotic Guide is a combination of high-tech computer parts and a mobile base
that assists the visually impaired in busy areas such as grocery stores,
malls and airports.
The robot uses radio frequency technology to give directions, product
location and information to the visually impaired once they enter a store or
airport.
"This robot would make a difference in my life," said Sachin Pavithran, a
visually impaired test subject for the project. "I would go to a grocery
store by myself if something like this were available to me. It would help
in so many places where I can't go alone now. When I am in an airport and
have a flight layover, I am often stuck in one place because I can't get
around by myself. This robot would give me back some independence."
Utah State University computer science professor Vladimir Kulyukin and
four Utah State graduate students invented the robot. The robot uses a
sensor that hones in on radio frequency identification tags. The tags, which
can be placed discretely in any indoor environment, localize the robot. The
user simply reads a Braille directory and selects a target location. The
robot, in turn, tells the user where to go relaying information along the
way.
Once the user reaches the target destination the robot is capable of
giving detailed information about specified products, such as where to find
the toothpaste on a grocery store shelf. The robot is not intended to
replace the guide dog, which is often a blind person's best resource; it
merely enhances what a seeing-eye dog can provide.
Kulyukin said that when a visually impaired person is in a new
environment, such as an airport, a guide dog can't guide that person to the
correct location because it's never been there either. Robotic Guide will
lead the way without the need for human assistance thus giving the visually
impaired person more freedom.
"Dogs may be man's best friend, but in the case of a blind person that
relationship is taken to the next level - they are essential," said
Kulyukin. "The only problem with a guide dog is that they only know to go
where they have been taught."
Kulyukin and his team have been perfecting the robot for the past two
years. The group would like to see robotic shopping carts in grocery stores
and robotic smart carts in airport terminals.
"I have always been interested in assistive technology and wanted to build
something that actually makes a difference," said Kulyukin. "This is
practical stuff and works well at enhancing human life."
Kulyukin wants to keep working on the robot to ensure it is available for
consumers. The team is also working on a wearable navigation system for the
visually impaired that works in outdoor environments.
"We are helping people and nothing is more satisfying than that," said
Kulyukin.
The Utah State computer science department has supported Kulyukin on this
project, which also includes collaborations with Utah State's Center for
Persons with Disabilities and the department of psychology. In 2004,
Kulyukin received a National Science Foundation Career award totaling nearly
$500,000. Kulyukin also received two Community University Research
Initiative grants that partially support his research.
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