Robot
guide dog picks up where man's best friend leaves off
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March 31, 2005 | 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.
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BOW-WOW-WOW!: USU
Professor Vladimir Kulyukin shows off the robot
dog. / Photo by Josh Russell |
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 Nat ional 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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