It's less furry than a traditional companion
but a six-legged Chinese robot "guide dog" could help the visually impaired live with more independence, according to its research team in Shanghai.
The robot dog, which is currently being field-tested, is able to navigate its physical environment via cameras and sensors.
It can recognise traffic signals, which traditional guide dogs are unable to do.
China has about 20 million visually impaired people and technology can help, says the lead researcher of the robot dog project.
The robot dog is roughly the size of an English Bulldog but a bit wider. It can communicate by listening and speaking with a visually impaired operator with AI-technology incorporated in its voice recognition, route planning capabilities and traffic light recognition.
It also has six legs, which the researchers say help it walk smoothly and with maximum stability.
Married couple Li Fei and Zhu Sibin are among the visually impaired people helping the university team test the robot using Chinese-language commands.
Li is completely visually challenged and Zhu sees only a little, normally using a cane to assist him in getting around.
Robot guide dogs are under development in other countries, including Australia and Britain.
But China has a drastic shortage of traditional guide dogs.
Pet ownership and service animals are also new concepts in the country. Which means many workplaces, restaurants and other public areas wouldn't welcome a more traditional helper like a Labrador.
Maybe, that’s where technology can help.
#robodog #china #shanghai
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