Robotic Guide Dog
people: Avery Gong | Aviv Cohav
<The clothes for robot dog made of 5 types of fabrics. Top row fromleft to right: none, antipill terrycloth, waterproof sherpa; bottom row from leftto right: faux fur, faux leather, quilted outwear>
The robotic guide dog project aims to create an accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional guide dogs for visually impaired individuals. Traditional guide dogs, costing around $35,000 to train, face significant financial and availability challenges. This project, led by Avery Gong and Aviv Cohav, seeks to address these issues by developing a robotic guide dog that enhances mobility, confidence, and safety for visually impaired users.
Research and Design
The project began with extensive need-finding through interviews and surveys with visually impaired participants. Key design preferences included a dog-like appearance, specific textures for the exterior, and practical handle designs. Visual and tactile prototypes were developed to refine the robot’s design, balancing appearance, usability, and functionality. Participants preferred a robot that closely resembles a real dog, with customizable textures and practical handle features.
Findings and Feedback
Participants emphasized the robot’s social acceptability and non-threatening appearance. Preferences for textures varied, with some favoring waterproof materials and others preferring softer fabrics. The adjustable handle design and button controllers received positive feedback, with suggestions for essential functionalities like emergency SOS buttons and navigation features. The feedback guided the refinement of the robot’s design to better meet user needs.
Future Work and Conclusion
The next phase will focus on integrating voice-auditory controls and feedback mechanisms, including a voice-user interface and conversational AI for natural language communication. These advancements aim to improve the robot’s usability and provide a seamless user experience. The robotic guide dog project represents a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for visually impaired individuals, offering them greater independence and confidence.