A Tech Marvel for Accessibility
Shanghai Jiao Tong University just unveiled a futuristic six-legged guide robot designed to empower visually impaired individuals! 🦾 Using advanced navigation tech and safety sensors, this innovation could tackle China’s critical shortage of trained guide dogs. Professor Gao Feng called it a revolutionary ‘pair of eyes’ for those navigating the world without sight.
💡 Why This Matters
With 17.31 million visually impaired residents in China and only ~400 guide dogs available nationwide (1 for every 40,000 people!), the demand for affordable solutions is huge. Traditional guide dogs take years to train and cost over $20,000 each—making this robot a potential game-changer. 🐾➡️🔧
How It Works
While details are under wraps, the robot’s six legs reportedly mimic natural movement for stability, while AI helps avoid obstacles. Think Wall-E meets service animal—but with extra limbs! 🤖✨ The team aims to make it accessible and user-friendly, though pricing and release dates remain TBA.
Reference(s):
Chinese university develops six-legged guide robot for blind people
cgtn.com