Guide dogs play an important role as a mobility aid for the blind, but they are not the perfect solution for everyone.
There are several factors that can limit or prevent recourse. The cost, small apartments or even allergies can make these beautiful dogs unsuitable for many. Today a technology in development at Loughborough University offers another possibility. It's called Theia and incorporates the functions of a robotic guide dog into a device that can be held in one hand.
The device is called Theia and was conceived by the industrial design student Anthony Camu, which drew inspiration from virtual reality game consoles and autonomous vehicles.
Theia, portable robotic guide dog
The technology is currently in the form of a prototype with some nodes to be smoothed out, but the basic premise is that Theia acts as a robotic guide dog to help visually impaired users reach their destination.
The key to the device is a particular gyroscope, which is often used as part of spacecraft attitude control systems, including the one used on the International Space Station.
The gyroscope allows Theia to provide force feedback depending on where it is directed and move the user's hand to lead them in the desired direction, much like a guide dog's brace.
Find your way as an autonomous vehicle
Theia orients itself through a camera and lidar system that allows it to build a three-dimensional image of the environment, much like a self-driving car.
Users can enter their destination via voice commands and the onboard processors will determine the best route to take.
Theia takes into account real-time data on pedestrian and car traffic, as well as on time.
