Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s robot guide. Credit: TrimFeed

Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University reported a robot 'guide dog' is in development to improve independence for the visually impaired and shore up demand for traditional guide dogs.

The researchers report the six-legged robo-dog (three legs are always on the ground) is about the size of an English bulldog and navigates the physical environment using cameras and sensors. It also has route-planning capabilities and can communicate with its visually impaired operator using AI technology and, unlike traditional guide dogs, it can recognise traffic light signals.

A prototype is being field tested by Shanghai married couple, Li Fei, who is completely blind, and Zhu Sibin, who is partially blind, reported researchers. Zhu, who uses a cane to assist him in getting around, told Reuters that if the robot guide dog came onto the market, it could solve some of his problems in travelling alone. “If I want to go to work, the hospital or the supermarket (now) I cannot go out alone and must be accompanied by my family or volunteers."

Lead researcher Professor Gao Feng said robot guide dogs are under development in other countries, including Australia and the UK, but China has a greater shortage of traditional guide dogs, with just over 400 animals for almost 20 million blind people. "I think this could be a very large market, because there might be tens of millions of people in the world who need guide dogs," he said.