[nfbwatlk] Interesting technology

[Kaye Kipp]

Hm.  What next?

Kaye
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "PUBLIC RADIO 113" <publicradio113 at gmail.com>
To: <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 1:21 PM
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Interesting technology


> My sister, Julie sent this my direction.  I appreciate her comment at the
> end.  What are your thoughts?
>
> Copied from Instructables:
>
> Abstract:
> Using the iRobot Roomba Create, I have prototyped a device called
> eyeRobot. It will guide blind and visually impaired users through
> cluttered and populated environments by using the Roomba as a base to
> marry the simplicity of the traditional white cane with the instincts
> of a seeing-eye dog. The user indicates his/her desired motion by
> intuitively pushing on and twisting the handle. The robot takes this
> information and finds a clear path down a hallway or across a room,
> using sonar to steer the user in a suitable direction around static
> and dynamic obstacles. The user then follows behind the robot as it
> guides the user in the desired direction by the noticeable force felt
> through the handle. This robotic option requires little training: push
> to go, pull to stop, twist to turn. The foresight the rangefinders
> provide is similar to a seeing eye dog, and is a considerable
> advantage over the constant trial and error that marks the use of the
> white cane. Yet eyeRobot still provides a much cheaper alternative
> than guide dogs, which cost over $12,000 and are useful for only 5
> years, while the prototype was built for well under $400. It is also a
> relatively simple machine, requiring a few inexpensive sensors,
> various potentiometers, some hardware, and of course, a Roomba Create.
>
> http://www.instructables.com/id/eyeRobot---The-Robotic-White-Cane/
>
> and then your battery goes dead in an hour and you need your cane or
> dog to find your way out. but its a neat idea.
> Julie
>
> -- 
> Paul Van Dyck
>
> www.publicradio113.weebly.com
>
> OR
>
> www.kboo.fm/soundsofawareness
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