Researchers on the University of Glasgow have teamed up with trade companions and charities to develop RoboGuide—an AI-powered four-legged robotic aimed toward serving to visually impaired individuals navigate museums, buying centres, hospitals, and different indoor public areas extra independently.
The prototype integrates numerous 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 challenge seeks to finally carry 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 expertise challenge embodies innovation and inclusivity,” mentioned Prof Muhammad Imran, Dean of Graduate Research on the college’s James Watt Faculty of Engineering and co-investigator on the challenge
“We’re pioneering world-changing applied sciences in Glasgow that may remodel lives and reshape societal norms, because of 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 study optimum routes and interpret information to keep away from obstacles whereas guiding customers, in keeping with Dr Olaoluwa Popoola, the challenge’s lead investigator. It additionally incorporates language expertise to grasp and reply to person questions and feedback.
In December, volunteers from the Forth Valley Sensory Centre (FVSC) and Royal National Institute of Blind People examined the prototype on the Hunterian Museum. It helped them navigate and offered spoken steering on reveals.
“We’re integrating finish person suggestions into enhancing the expertise to develop a whole system adaptable for numerous robots aiding the visually impaired in various conditions,” mentioned co-investigator Dr Wasim Ahmad.
Representatives of each charities joined researchers at this time to showcase RoboGuide’s progress.
“Mobility is a giant problem, and RoboGuide splendidly addresses that,” mentioned FVSC’s CEO Jacquie Profitable 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 challenge is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
(Picture Credit score: University of Glasgow)
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