[nabs-l] Blind can take wheel with new vehicle

[pajohns1 at vt.edu]

        So folks don't misunderstand my earlier post.  I think the blind 
driver challenge and the hybrid vehicle sound warning system (both projects 
being pursued here at Virginia Tech) are great projects and I hope to 
continue assisting with both projects.  My point about the blind getting 
behind the wheel is that the news pieces posted the last two days painted 
what I consider to be an overly rosey picture of the technology.

        From my perspective the technology in Virginia Tech's vehicle is 
like a toddler learning to walk, a little unstable, still learning to 
control his or her arms and legs and having the response times to reflect 
this.  Given funding and time to conduct further research, perform a ton 
more testing the toddler will eventually learn to walk, talk, and chew gum. 
At that time the vehicle may be ready to move from an interesting research 
project to a product ready for the commerical market.

        The NFB should support forward looking projects, but balance the 
expectations with accurate prose and realistic descriptions of where the 
technology is at.

Patrick
@Virginia Tech