Novel design of a social mobile robot for the blind disabilities

Abstract

World Health Organization estimated that over 1 billion people are living with some form of disability. Some 110 to 190 million people live with significant disabilities. The number of guide dogs is far lower than the demand and only few visually impaired have access to qualified guidance dogs. This paper present an autonomous mobile robot system aimed for the service to the blind. The system includes a proof-of-concept appearance design as the human machine interface that consists of a stick and main body enveloping the mobile robot platform. The main body contains four modules as sensing, navigation, remote control and social platform. The appearance has a high quality texture demonstrated human factors engineering concepts emphasizing user-friendly interface. The stick has rotation joint design fitting the average human height. The length and angle of the stick is adjustable to user's height and can be used in separate from or combination with the main body. The system combines artificial intelligence, sensing, and navigation system that allows blind people to move in a free state.