Robot guide dog among AI technology showcased conference for visually impaired in Glasgow

A robot guide dog has been showcased among multiple AI inventions in Glasgow at a conference for the visually impaired.

Robbie the robot guide dog met his canine counterpart Peggy at RNIB Scotland’s Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference at the Glasgow Science Centre.

The robo guide, developed by Dr Wasim Ahmad at the University of Glasgow, was one of a number of technological innovations on display at the two-day conference.

The Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference, organised by RNIB Scotland, explores how cutting-edge technology is transforming the lives of people with sight loss worldwide.

It showcases the latest advances in AI, with demonstrations of cutting-edge technology such as robotic guide dogs and smart canes.

Robbie is expected to hit shelves by 2026, and has been designed to complement guide dogs, not replace them.

Dr Ola Popoola, the RoboGuide project’s principal investigator, explained how the robot may be able to help people with sight loss.

“You can tell Robbie ‘take me to a shop’, these are things you might not be able to do with a guide dog,” he said.

“Robbie has an onboard map that can take you and direct you around, for instance places like shopping malls and airports, Robbie can easily take you from one place to another.”

Tim Stafford, principal officer of Canine Affairs at Guide Dogs said they supported anything that helps people with sight loss to lead life how they choose.

He added: “That being said, guide dog owners will frequently speak about their dog’s impact on their own life and wellbeing.

“They value their dog as a partner, companion and family member, as well as a guide dog. It is this deep bond which makes the relationship unique and so much more than just a way to get around safely.”

Robbie was just one of the latest AI-assisted innovations on display, all designed to improve work, mobility, and leisure for people with sight loss.

Another product on display was WeWalk’s Smart Cane 2.

Dr Jean Marc Feghali, WeWalk’s chief innovation officer, spoke on how AI can be transformational as long as the technology is inclusive.

“We’re all working together for the betterment of our visually impaired community. The normal can is great but we’re improving it, and giving people more independence,” he said.

Another product on display was WeWalk's Smart Cane 2. — Another product on display was WeWalk’s Smart Cane 2. STV News

“We will still be using the regular feature of the white cane but why not improve the technology.”

Dr Feghali added: “An ageing population and increase of diabetes means the number of people with sight lost could double within 20 years… but AI can be transformational, as long as tech is inclusive”

One of the key focuses of the conference calls for proper safeguards to make sure the products are accessible from the start.

Dr Sonali Rai of RNIB, spoke about the issues with accessibility when it comes to new technology.

“The problem is a lot technology companies will think of accessibility but its at the end, once the technology has been designed and then you have to retrofit it with different accessible systems which doesn’t work which is very expensive,” she said.

“You miss out of the feeling at launch that something new is out there and that it is accessible.”