Six-legged robot dogs could solve the shortage of guide dogs
Researchers at China's Jiao Tong University have unveiled six-legged robot guide dogs designed to assist the visually impaired. These robo-dogs are capable of creating 3D maps, navigating virtual environments, autonomously traversing streets, planning routes, avoiding obstacles, and even recognizing pedestrian crossing signals.
According to the China Association of the Blind, there are over 17 million visually impaired people in the country, while the number of active guide dogs is only 400. This gap could be bridged by specialized robots like those developed by the team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University's School of Mechanical Engineering.
Unlike traditional guide dogs, these robots don't require individualized training. Instead, they can be readily deployed using specialized software. Equipped with six legs, they are more stable than their four-legged counterparts.
The prototypes can understand voice commands and interpret touch, allowing them to adjust their speed and movement in real-time. Currently, the researchers are conducting further tests and collaborating with Suochen Robot Co to commercialize the technology in the future.
