[NJTechDiv] Prototype Robotic Guide Dog Supports Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers.

[Mario Brusco]

a bit late, but still interesting:

Prototype Robotic Guide Dog Supports Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers.
https://coolblindtech.com/prototype-robotic-guide-dog-supports-blind-and-visually-impaired-travelers/

JULY 24, 2020 1:52 PM.

A student at Loughborough University has designed a ‘robotic guide dog’ 
that could help support blind and visually impaired people.

Designed by Anthony Camu, the product replicates the role of a guide dog 
as well as programming quick and safe routes to destinations using 
real-time data.
Camu, who is a final year Industrial Design and Technology student, said 
he was inspired by virtual-reality (VR) gaming consoles to create the 
prototype, named ‘Theia’ after the titan goddess of sight.

Theia is a portable and concealable handheld device that guides users 
through outdoor environments and large indoor spaces with very little 
input. Using a special control moment gyroscope (CMG), the device moves 
users’ hands and physically ‘leads’ them, similar to holding the brace 
of a guide dog.

According to Camu, the device is designed to process real-time online 
data, such as traffic density (pedestrians and cars) and weather, to 
guide users accurately and safely to their destinations. The device will 
also be able to help the user tackle specific interactions such as 
elevators, stairs and shops.
,It will also have a fail-safe procedure for high-risk scenarios, such 
as crossing busy roads, pushing the user back into a manual mode, 
similar to using a cane.
Camu said that the goal of many non-sighted people is to be independent 
and live a normal life “but unfortunately, many who endure vision loss 
feel excluded
from situations and activities which many people take for granted, such 
as socializing, shopping or going to restaurants”. He added that such 
limitations are usually formed due to the fear and anxiety associated 
with having a partial understanding of the surroundings.

“Theia has the capacity to expand a blind person’s comfort zones and 
possibilities, broaden their horizons and allow them to think less about 
walking and more about what’s waiting for them at the end of the route,” 
he added. “The ultimate goal is that Theia’s users can traverse routes 
safely and efficiently,
at the same pace as, or even faster than ordinary people, without the 
worry and hassle of visualizing the environment.”

Camu has successfully created prototypes that feature the CMG 
technology, and although the project is still in its infancy, he says 
the potential is there.
“I know this is a grand vision, but I hope people can see the positive 
effects Theia could have on the blind community,” he said.