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Prototype Vehicle For the Blind
An anonymous reader writes "A student team from Virginia Tech Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory have created a vehicle which allows the blind to drive. The vehicle uses a laser range finder to determine distances and alerts the driver through voice commands and vibration. Tomorrow [Friday] morning, the vehicle will have its first public test drive at the University of Maryland. At last, Braille on drive-up ATMs may finally be vindicated."
I didn't see this one coming.
Even the blind can see that this is a bad idea. And they don't need voice commands and vibrations to do it.
How are they going to know when I flip them the bird? Do I have to make chirping noises?
I really do not understand the point. If one can make a feedback system capable of effectively and intelligently guiding a blind person it wouldn't be necessary... Just make the car capable of driving itself. A sighted person has a hard enough time interpreting and reacting to evolving situations around them. Responding to vibrations and voice alerts is most certainly slower.
Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once
I think this is great. Now, I hope they create something women will be able to drive.
may be closer than they feel.