Its creators hope it could help blind people who have no dog.
A group of engineers at Georgia Tech have developed a robot that is able to mimic the same actions as does a guide dog to help its owner in the daily work. Users verbally ordered the robot the task you need, and the robot responds after a laser pointer has indicated the location of the desired action. The robot was able to open a door or carry objects from one place to another. According to its creators, this development may be a small revolution, as the demand for guide dogs is greater than supply and the cost is around 16,000 euros. The new generation of robots can be an affordable option for people with disabilities who have no option have one of these dogs.
Guide dogs, an essential tool to provide services to visually impaired people, have inspired a group of engineers at Georgia Tech to develop a robot to copy the actions and movements of these dogs that both enhance the quality of life for the blind.
Although the cost of these dogs is around $ 16,000 (and two years of training to get to perform their skills), demand far greater than the dogs that are actually available.
But what if their functions were performed by an electronic companion equally efficient, but much more affordable?
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a robot to copy the actions of these dogs. Users verbally ordered the robot the task they need, and the robot responds after a laser pointer has indicated the location of the desired action.
For example, if a person needs to take an object, usually order the guide dog with a gesture that is directed to where the object is located. The robot mimics the process, but the gesture is replaced by a laser pointer directed at the required location. First actions
According to its creators, the technology allows and perform basic actions, like opening a door or take a medicine.
"It's a way to get the robots help people as soon as possible," said Professor Charlie Kemp , Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech, in a statement . "The dogs have a long history of helping people, but waiting lists to get one of these animals for years. Is expensive to have. We believe that robots could meet the same needs. "
Kemp presented his findings recently at the IEEE / RAS-EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics.
Kemp and student Hai Nguyen have done this project with a team of dog trainers to investigate the different categories of commands and interactions in the relationship established between a person and a dog.
Specifically, they studied the behavioral patterns of Betty, a Golden Retriever. One of the keys to the success of this project was the fact that this dog knew to open and close a door handle being covered with a cloth or towel. The robot was programmed to use the towel or rag in the same way you did Betty.
A revolution?
Trainers who have worked with Kemp and his team have been very surprised with the behavior of the robot.
"The waiting list stretches guide dogs for years," said Ramona Nichols, director of Georgia Canines for Independer, who has collaborated in the investigation. "I'm impressed. Will revolutionize the field specializes in helping people with disabilities. "
In total, the robot was able to copy and commands 10 shares held by the dogs. These actions have included opening and closing a door with an efficiency impressive. It has also been able to open the door of a microwave or transporting an object and put it on a table.
"As robotic researchers we should not look only at men as a source of inspiration," says Kemp. "The dogs are highly trained to do what they do. They have helped thousands of people. I think we'll be able to get soon the dogs' skills. "
On the other hand, although it is clear that a robot can not imitate the personality and the company that gives a dog, has other advantages.
"The robot does not need the same care and maintenance the same," says Kemp. "And do not get distracted as can happen with dogs."
By Raúl Morales
www.tendencias21.net
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