The development of "robot white stick" progresses

White sticks are indispensable tools for many visually impaired people, but have not been improved since the last 100 years.However, it is likely that the evolution will progress rapidly here.CANG YE of the University of Virginia, the University of Virginia, reported on the August issue of "IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica" that the development of robot white sticks using robot technology has progressed.They have expressed their hopes that white canes will be modernized through the development of robot white sticks.

The prototyped robot white stick is equipped with a computer to guide users while avoiding obstacles on the road to the destination in addition to 3D cameras and sensors.Of course, there is still a hurdle in practical use, and the overall weight is one of them.Mr. YE and his colleagues say that even if technical issues are resolved, there is a problem whether the completed robot white cane can be accepted by visually impaired.

Nevertheless, YE and his colleagues hope that the robot white stick will make it easier to move to large indoor facilities that are unfamiliar with visually impaired.Even today, various technologies that can be mounted on white canes, such as smartphone -based apps that help outdoors, are being developed, but when traveling in vast indoor facilities, these technologies are not yet sufficient.

In the old version of the robot white stick developed by YE and his colleagues, it can be used to support indoor navigation by incorporating a flat view of the building.The mechanism was that when the user instructed the destination in a voice, the audio signal and the electric roller at the tip of the cane would lead to the destination.

However, there was a problem with the old version.For example, it was difficult to change the direction of the white stick at an accurate angle.Therefore, when moving a long distance, even a slight difference in angle may eventually lead to a wrong place.

With the latest robot white sticks, we aimed to overcome some of these shortcomings.For example, this robot white stick has been added to the high -performance and small 3D camera that can understand the distance to the entrance, the stairs, and the possibility of hindering walking, but also the distance to the extent.。By using the information obtained from this camera and the data of the sensor, the computer mounted on the robot white cant can accurately guide the user to the destination, and if there are obstacles on the way, it can encourage attention.。Regarding this latest robot white stick, Ye says, "It may be good to be considered like a combination of robot -type guide dogs and cane."

According to Michael CHIANG, director of the US Institute of Eye Disease (Nei), who subsidized research funds, "This study has responded to people's needs, though not so many technologies we can use.It is an example of what you can do. "He added, "It's important not only to clarify the treatment of diseases, but also to develop a comprehensive support for everyone."CHIANG also states that "this study will expand the opportunity for visual impairment activities."However, it is unpredictable at this stage when robot white sticks are actually commercialized.

Mr. YE has cited the future tasks to improve the airport and subway stations where many people come and go to a robot white cane that can be used without any problems.

[Health Day News September 16, 2021]

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