A breakthrough in aiding visually impaired individuals may be on the horizon, as researchers from the University of Glasgow, in collaboration with industry and charity partners, have introduced RoboGuide—a robotic service powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that could revolutionize navigation for the visually impaired.

RoboGuide not only facilitates independent movement for its users but also communicates information about their surroundings through AI technology.

The robot integrates cutting-edge technologies onto a readily available robotic platform, as highlighted by the University of Glasgow.

While not the first of its kind, with examples like Glidance Inc.’s Gilde from MassRobotics, RoboGuide addresses two major challenges faced by such robotic assistants.

Firstly, it tackles limitations in the technology used by these robots for navigation, aiming to enhance their effectiveness as guides, The Robot Report reported.

Equipped with advanced sensors, RoboGuide accurately maps its environment.

The research team has developed software that analyzes mapping data, utilizing simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms to determine optimal routes from one location to another.

This real-time interpretation of sensor data enables the robot to track and avoid moving obstacles.

Written by B.C. Begley