Kinect Plays A New Role As Eyes Of Guide Dog

Japanese manufacturer NSK showcased their new creation at International Robot Exhibition. It's a dog, yes, it's a robotic dog purpose built to use it as a guide dog. The head of the robotic dog has been mounted with a Microsoft Kinect sensor to act as eyes which processes images to recognise the environment around.

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This robotic creation can help visually impaired people to move around without having an actual dog as some people don't like to be around animals. This robotic dog has wheels attached on the end of the legs to help move around a flat surface but when encountered with steps or stairways it uses its legs for climbing and descending purpose. The control centre of the robot is a small handle where users can hold it in stable positions and have a proper grip while moving around. The handle is fitted with a force sensor which allows the robot to follow instruction of its user like then the handle is moved forward the robot moves straight and with just a twist the robot can turn around.

Proximity sensors have been installed on the legs as it becomes a blind spot for the robotic dog to sense any small obstacle around. NSK has developed this robot to replace actual dogs as guide dogs as actual dogs need time and training to get in for a particular task. That being said, NSK will now be field testing the robot for various aspects of safety like avoiding falling or recovering from a fall in case it happens. Here's a video demo of the robotic wonder:



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