RFID-enabled robots could lead the blind

While we don't anticipate this project sending any guide dogs to Foster's Home for Retired Canines, we think that Professor Vladimir Kulyukin's project to create RFID-enabled "robot guide dogs" shows a lot of promise. A professor at Utah State University, Kulyukin's initial goal is to create RFID-enabled robot carts that can guide the blind through supermarkets. Armed with a voice-recognition system, the cart could lead a blind shopper through aisles of RFID-labeled products, tracking down the right ones on command. Of course, the system will only become practical as RFID tags become more common in retail environments, but thanks to our pals at Wal-Mart, that's a matter of when, not if. According to Kulyukin, the system's voice recognition has already improved; an early prototype mistook a man's throat-clearing as a request to go to the bathroom, and from that point on, the bot directed him there every time he cleared his throat.

[jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

not to mention what would happen if the street corners had RFID....imaginge, an actual button technology that understands a sense of urgency......

[Orion @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Hmm. This could also be of use in many more situations than shopping. Imagine it being used to help guide blind through stations and similar. Equally does the robot have sensors to detect walls and other potentially hazaardous obstacles?
I think I may have to write an artical on http://orionrobots.co.uk on this one.

[punkigor @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

presumably the dog could still be used for navigation. unfortunately even the smartest pooch won't know what aisle liquid hand soap is in, or how to get to aisle 3.

plus obstacle detection and avoidance should be easy enough to build-in.