The small mobile robot is equipped with tactile sensors to lead the way. A sleeve on the user's arm then interpret signals sent back from the robot. These vibrations can reveal the size, shape or stiffness of an obstacle. Engineers said they could also benefit blind people as well as firefighters.For example, they could help firefighters move through burning buildings. Researchers have also developed a so-called 'tactile language' for robots. They now plan to explore how reins and haptic signals could help older people in their homes.
Robots are already being blamed for taking people's jobs, and now the machines are gunning for guide dogs.
Researchers have developed a 'robot on reins' that can help people navigate using tactile sensors and vibrations.
The proof-of-concept currently resembles a vacuum cleaner or lawnmower but future versions could be smaller and more lightweight for use in the home.
Engineers said they could also benefit firefighters, for example, by helping them moving through smoke-filled buildings to find people more easily.
The small mobile robots are equipped with sensors that lead the way, with the user following up to 3ft (one metre) behind holding a rein.
A special sleeve covering the user's arm would then be fitted with electronic micro-vibrators.
This sleeve would turn the signals sent back by the robot into detailed data that the blind person, firefighter or other user would have been trained to interpret.
These vibrations could also provide data about the size, shape and even the stiffness of any object it finds.
Robots are already being blamed for taking people's jobs, and now the machines are gunning for guide dogs.
Researchers have developed a 'robot on reins' that can help people navigate using tactile sensors and vibrations.
The proof-of-concept currently resembles a vacuum cleaner or lawnmower but future versions could be smaller and more lightweight for use in the home.
Engineers said they could also benefit firefighters, for example, by helping them moving through smoke-filled buildings to find people more easily.
The small mobile robots are equipped with sensors that lead the way, with the user following up to 3ft (one metre) behind holding a rein.
A special sleeve covering the user's arm would then be fitted with electronic micro-vibrators.
This sleeve would turn the signals sent back by the robot into detailed data that the blind person, firefighter or other user would have been trained to interpret.
These vibrations could also provide data about the size, shape and even the stiffness of any object it finds.