SEEING-EYE ROBOT – 21120

Mobile smart robots have been suggested as possible replacements for seeing-eye dogs.An advanced machine can help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings.

A so-called seeing-eye robot must have a vision system with excellent sensitivity and resolution. The robot must have artificial intelligence (AI) at least equivalent to the intelligence of a dog. The machine must be able to negotiate all types of terrain, doing such diverse things as crossing a street, passing through a crowded room, or climbing stairs.

The Japanese, with their enthusiasm for robots that resemble living creatures, have designed various seeing-eye robots. They are approximately the same size as live dogs.Most roll on wheels or track drives.