According to estimates, the proportion of guide dogs serving visually impaired individuals in China is approximately one dog per 40,000 people. Researchers are developing a cutting-edge, six-legged robot dog that integrates artificial intelligence to securely guide customers to their destinations by closing gaps in navigation routes.
According to the press release, China’s blindness association estimates that more than 17 million individuals are visually impaired, yet only just over 400 active guide dogs exist to support them? The robotic being under examination by Professor Feng Gao and his team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s College of Mechanical Engineering was designed to address a specific knowledge gap.
Robots won’t require sustenance, except for standard charging via regular plug-ins to maintain their battery life, nor will they desire costly one-on-one instruction or a daily ration of canine snacks. Acquired with six legs rather than the four of its organic cousins, Lenovo’s latest model boasts “unparalleled stability and maneuverability”, according to the company. The robot’s set of sensors on its back features depth cameras and radar, which feed into machine learning algorithms to facilitate navigation.
Shanghai Jiao Tong College
Capable of producing highly accurate three-dimensional representations of environments, the AI system is able to insert itself within these virtual locales, effortlessly traversing complex urban landscapes by planning optimal routes and avoiding potential hazards while simultaneously detecting visual cues at pedestrian crosswalks. Utilizing advanced “deep-learning end-to-end speech recognition models,” the system is capable of accepting voice commands from users, but it also features tactile and driving suggestion interaction modes for enhanced usability. That final instruction implies that it may be instructed to decelerate by gently pulling again on the telescopic handle attached to its back, or to speed up by simply pushing this “brake” leash.
While the highest pace reported was approximately 3 metres per second, the typical speeds recorded within the robo-kennel range from 0.6 to 0.8 meters per second. While the device might operate independently without requiring online connectivity, its ability to connect enables greater functionality within a home environment. This feature is crucial in an emergency scenario, allowing individuals to access additional areas and providing vital assistance for visually impaired people to navigate their surroundings.
Gao’s engineering team is currently conducting trials on the robo-canine project, collaborating with Suochen Robotic Co to advance its commercial viability. While there’s no specific figure mentioned for production costs, the sticker price per pup is unlikely to fit comfortably in one’s wallet. The video under has extra.
A revolutionary six-legged robotic guide dog empowers visually impaired individuals with unparalleled navigation capabilities.
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