Next-Generation Intelligent Robotic Mobility Aid for Vision Impaired People

Project Member(s): Kodagoda, S., Carmichael, M., Thiyagarajan, K.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
GUIDE DOGS NSW/ACT
GUIDE DOGS NSW/ACT

Start year: 2023

Summary: More than 2.2 billion people worldwide are blind or have some degree of near or distance vision impairment. This research aims to develop the world's first functional robotic guide dog with advanced robotic sensing, navigation, control, machine learning-based decision making and user interfaces. The project will generate novel theoretical breakthroughs, produce feasible prototypes, train young researchers, innovate industry capabilities and provide new research that will transform the lives of visually impaired people. The project is expected to further benefit the service and mobility aid industry, researchers and wider community in substantial social, economic and diverse terms. The mobility aid has potential for commercialisation.

FOR Codes: Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) not elsewhere classified, Assistive robots and technology, Intelligent robotics

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.