RFID-Equipped Robots Used as Guide Dogs

Roland Piquepaille writes "A professor in computer science at the Utah State University (USU) is building robots to help people with disabilities, according to the Utah Statesman in this article. The story, which is more focused on the professor than robotics, carries several anecdotes, such as an embarrassing voice recognition system. After a blind man cleared his throat, the robot misinterpreted the sound as a sign that the man wanted to go to the bathroom. Later, every time a man cleared his throat before speaking, the robot changed directions and insisted to guide him to the restrooms. Even if the article is entertaining, this project at USU is far more ambitious. In fact, they want to design RFID-enabled robots mounted on mobile carts which will welcome blind persons at the entrance of a supermarket and guide them through the store. I bet you'll never find those carts at a Wal-Mart store, but read more for other details, references and pictures about these RFID-equipped robots designed to help blind people."

Comments

Re:China & Military Applications

[nsaneinside]

Guide dog. Not attack hound. ...Besides, what would happen when said soldier, hiding somewhere near the robot, cleared his throat?

What?

[contagious_d]

I always read the last part of this guys submissions first. It scared me.

"designed to help blind people"

Re:Article Text minus the spam

[antifoidulus]

I think you just violated Piquepaille's EULA, you will be hearing from his lawyers. The gall of some people, trying to get rid of the middleman....

Keep this in mind if you're a blind person

[Anonymous Coward]

A dog may become infested with bugs, but not with security bugs.

After a blind man cleared his throat...

[BisonHoof]

the robot misinterpreted the sound as a sign that the man wanted to go to the bathroom. Later, every time a man cleared his throat before speaking, the robot changed directions and insisted to guide him to the restrooms.

And when he unzipped his pants, well, you know the rest...

Re:I wonder what will happen...

[PsiPsiStar]

if the man sneezes, then snorts, coughs, and finally clears his throat.

My neural net system indicates that there is a 75% chance he will spit next. In which case, he will want to use the sink in the bathroom.