Robotic Guide Dog

Loughborough University student designs a 'robotic guide dog' for visually impaired people.

13:34 28 July 2020

Anthony Camu, a student at Loughborough University, has designed a 'robotic guide dog' for visually impaired people. The prototype, which was named "Theia" after the Titan goddess of sight, replicates the functions of a guide dog and can guide users through outdoor environments and large indoor spaces with very little input. 

 

Theia works by moving the hand of the user to physically lead them to where they need to go. It processes real-time online data like traffic density and weather to guide users accurately and safely to their destinations. 

 

Mr Camu said: "I know this is a grand vision, but I hope people can see the positive effects Theia could have on the blind community.

 

"The ultimate goal is that Theia's users can traverse routes safely and efficiently, at the same pace as, or even faster than, ordinary people. 

 

"The goal of many non-sighted people is to be independent and live a normal life but unfortunately, many who endure vision loss feel excluded from situations and activities which many people take for granted, such as socialising, shopping or going to restaurants. 

 

"Such limitations are usually formed due to the fear and anxiety associated with having a partial understanding of the surroundings. 

 

"Theia has the capacity to expand a blind person's comfort zones and possibilities, broaden their horizons and allow them to think less about walking and more about what's waiting for them at the end of the route."