A Robotic Travel Aid for the Blind

Abstract

We have been developing Robotic Travel Aid(RoTA) ``HARUNOBU'' to guide the visually impaired in the sidewalk or campus. RoTA is a motor wheel chair equipped with vision system, sonar, differential GPS system, dead reckoning system and a portable GIS. We estimate the performance of RoTA in two viewpoints, the viewpoint of guidance and the viewpoint of safety. RoTA is superior to the guide dog in the navigation function, and is inferior to the guide dog in the mobility. It can show the route from the current location to the destination but cannot walk up and down stairs. RoTA is superior to the portable navigation system in the orientation, obstacle avoidance and physical support to keep balance of walking, but is inferior in portability.