How Has Robot Guide Dogs Opened A World Of Possibilities To Those With Vision Impairment?


A headless, tailless robot dog called Spot has the potential to make a big difference for people across the world with vision impairment thanks to Queensland researchers. Students at the Queensland University of Technology are modifying Spot to become a guide dog. Spot has cameras where a head would be to help navigation. Spot was designed to work in the oil and gas industry to "send to places where you wouldn't want to send a human". What are your thoughts LiveTribers? How has robot guide dogs opened a world of possibilities to those with vision impairment?

Posted by on 15 Jan 2024

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  • [0] [0]
    Stephen

    It's hard to say. Most people would rather a real dog around. On the other hand, the robot maybe cheaper for them.

    Posted by Stephen on 28 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    Anney

    I was not aware of robot guide dogs however I recently gave a 6 year old friend a robot puppy and she loves it!

    Posted by Anney on 28 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [0]
    mact

    Probably abit like self driving vehicles......lotsa marketing bs but very often unsafe and over stated!!!......bit like 3D screens!

    Posted by mact on 18 Jan 2024
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    Paula

    While they might be able to lead a blind person around they won't provide company or be a companion both of which are also needed by blind people.

    Posted by Paula on 17 Jan 2024
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  • [0] [1]
    sulter

    Blind people no longer have to wait for a guide dog to be trained for them.

    Posted by sulter on 17 Jan 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    coaster

    A living dog would be more like a companian as well but I know someone whose guide dog passed and there is a 3 year waiting list here in Qld. Like he said, he is in his mid 80's so doubt if it would come to pass. He has paid for a pup and is training it himself which is not a great idea I do not think. So a robot would be great and he can always have a service dog. Best of both worlds. I only hope they are not expensive.

    Posted by coaster on 17 Jan 2024
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    mary

    from what i have seen and read about a service dog is so much more then sight for its owner, its love and support and knowledge that as humans we find hard to believe electronic is not the way to go as technology is hard for a lot of people to understand and feel safe with. these animals bring joy to their owners and security.

    Posted by mary on 17 Jan 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    ere

    I agree 100% with Woodness. There is no substitute for what a real flesh and blood dog can provide. As a guide dog who would be comfortable with an electronic dog that could be hacked - maybe to attack its owner, lead its owner into heavy traffic, or maul an innocent child? Also feasibly it could be capable of monitoring everything that happens within the user's home and reporting back to a cybercriminal.

    Posted by ere on 17 Jan 2024
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  • [3] [0]
    Woodness

    It would be OK for people who are not seeking the companionship of a real dog, provided it was thoroughly tested to ensure it wouldn't break down. My personal view is that a real dog would offer so much more to someone with vision impairment, love, loyalty and a nice cuddle.

    Posted by Woodness on 16 Jan 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    MS

    Depends. Technology isn't infallible. What if it stops working? It could shut down, the batteries, or if it works on rechargeable electric. I'm always sceptical of new technologies. We can't risk the lives of those people if there was any chance it might fail. I think guide dogs do a fantastic job, and a robot cannot provide the companionship a real dog can. They also can provide some protection in case that person was attacked. Also think about the cost? Who pays? How many would be able to afford it? I think they should stick to real dogs for the foreseeable future, unless this technology is perfected.

    Posted by MS on 15 Jan 2024
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    Paoulo

    It might be good for those who don't like dogs or don't want cleaning and feeding tasks of dog care. Also it makes it simpler for various transport eg. Flights where dogs are less compatible to the transport staff and passengers.

    Posted by Paoulo on 15 Jan 2024
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