Researchers on the College of Glasgow have teamed up with trade companions and charities to develop RoboGuide—an AI-powered four-legged robotic geared toward serving to visually impaired individuals navigate museums, procuring centres, hospitals, and different indoor public areas extra independently.
The prototype integrates varied cutting-edge applied sciences into an off-the-shelf robotic physique to deal with challenges stopping wider use of robots as assistants for the blind and visually impaired. The undertaking seeks to finally deliver a sophisticated model to market to help the two.2 billion globally and a pair of million within the UK dwelling with sight loss.
“Our assistive know-how undertaking embodies innovation and inclusivity,” mentioned Prof Muhammad Imran, Dean of Graduate Research on the college’s James Watt College of Engineering and co-investigator on the undertaking
“We’re pioneering world-changing applied sciences in Glasgow that may remodel lives and reshape societal norms, due to collaboration with companions and co-designing with finish customers.”
The RoboGuide makes use of refined exterior sensors to precisely map environment and software program to be taught optimum routes and interpret knowledge to keep away from obstacles whereas guiding customers, in line with Dr Olaoluwa Popoola, the undertaking’s lead investigator. It additionally incorporates language know-how to know and reply to person questions and feedback.
In December, volunteers from the Forth Valley Sensory Centre (FVSC) and Royal Nationwide Institute of Blind Individuals examined the prototype on the Hunterian Museum. It helped them navigate and offered spoken steering on reveals.
“We’re integrating finish person suggestions into bettering the know-how to develop a whole system adaptable for varied robots helping the visually impaired in various conditions,” mentioned co-investigator Dr Wasim Ahmad.
Representatives of each charities joined researchers immediately to showcase RoboGuide’s progress.
“Mobility is a giant problem, and RoboGuide splendidly addresses that,” mentioned FVSC’s CEO Jacquie Successful MBE. RNIB Scotland’s Director James Adams added the innovation “might be a part of making the world extra accessible and empowering.”
The nine-month undertaking is funded by the Engineering and Bodily Sciences Analysis Council.
(Picture Credit score: College of Glasgow)
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