Chinese Robot 'Guide Dog' Aims to Improve Independence for Visually Impaired

A visually impaired person walks with a six-legged robot "guide dog" during a demonstration of a field test for a Shanghai Jiao Tong University test team, in Shanghai, China June 18, 2024. REUTERS/Nicoco Chan
A visually impaired person walks with a six-legged robot "guide dog" during a demonstration of a field test for a Shanghai Jiao Tong University test team, in Shanghai, China June 18, 2024. REUTERS/Nicoco Chan
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Chinese Robot 'Guide Dog' Aims to Improve Independence for Visually Impaired

A visually impaired person walks with a six-legged robot "guide dog" during a demonstration of a field test for a Shanghai Jiao Tong University test team, in Shanghai, China June 18, 2024. REUTERS/Nicoco Chan
A visually impaired person walks with a six-legged robot "guide dog" during a demonstration of a field test for a Shanghai Jiao Tong University test team, in Shanghai, China June 18, 2024. REUTERS/Nicoco Chan

It's less furry than a traditional companion, but a six-legged Chinese robot "guide dog" could one day help vision impaired people live more independently, according to its research development team in Shanghai.
The robot dog, which is currently being field-tested, is able to navigate its physical environment via cameras and sensors, including recognizing traffic light signals, which traditional guide dogs are unable to do, Reuters said.
Roughly the size of an English Bulldog but a bit wider, it can communicate by listening and speaking with a visually impaired operator with artificial intelligence technology incorporated into its voice recognition, route planning capabilities and traffic light identification. It also has six legs, which the researchers said helps it walk smoothly and with maximum stability.
"When three legs are lifted, there are still three legs .. like the tripod of a camera. It is the most stable shape," said Professor Gao Feng, the head of the research team at Jiao Tong University's School of Mechanical Engineering in Shanghai.
Married couple Li Fei, 41, and Zhu Sibin, 42, are among the visually impaired people helping the Jiao Tong University team test the robot using Chinese-language commands.
Li is completely blind and Zhu sees only a little, normally using a cane to assist him in getting around.
"If this robot guide dog comes onto the market and I could use it, at least it could solve some of my problems in traveling alone," Li said. "For example, if I want to go to work, the hospital or the supermarket (now) I cannot go out alone and must be accompanied by my family or volunteers."
Robot guide dogs are under development in other countries, including Australia and Britain, but China has a drastic shortage of traditional guide dogs.
In China, there are just over 400 guide dogs for almost 20 million blind people, Gao said.
Pet ownership and service animals are also relatively new concepts in the country, meaning many workplaces, restaurants and other public areas wouldn't welcome a more traditional helper like a Labrador.
Unlike those dogs, which will always be limited in supply due to the natural limitations of breeding and the intense training required, Gao said the production of robot guide dogs could be scaled, especially in a major manufacturing hub like China.
"It's a bit like cars. I can mass-produce them in the same way as cars, so it will become more affordable," Gao said. "I think this could be a very large market, because there might be tens of millions of people in the world who need guide dogs."



AlUla to Host First 'Instagram Creators Summit' in MENA

Throughout the summit, content creators will experience AlUla's natural beauty and rich legacy. SPA
Throughout the summit, content creators will experience AlUla's natural beauty and rich legacy. SPA
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AlUla to Host First 'Instagram Creators Summit' in MENA

Throughout the summit, content creators will experience AlUla's natural beauty and rich legacy. SPA
Throughout the summit, content creators will experience AlUla's natural beauty and rich legacy. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s AlUla is set to host the first-ever “Instagram Creators Summit” in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) next week.

The event will take place on April 20-22, organized by Meta in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, and in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Riyadh Air.

The groundbreaking summit is the first of its kind in the region and will bring together leading content creators from around the world. The agenda includes interactive panel discussions, keynote speeches, and conversations about the future of content creation, covering topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, and the evolving digital landscape.
These creators collectively reach over 231 million followers worldwide, highlighting the growing importance of influencer marketing in today’s travel destinations.
Interactive dialogues will allow participants to engage directly with Meta’s product managers, while open forums will encourage the sharing of expertise and the building of strong collaborations among creators.
This summit presents an exceptional opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry leaders, and stay at the forefront of the ever-changing digital scene.
AlUla will also showcase its unique vision of blending cultural heritage preservation with digital innovation through discussions on safeguarding cultural identity amid rapid digital transformation. AlUla continues to demonstrate its unique ability to evolve while remaining rooted in its past—a city renewed through time, where heritage and innovation progress together.
Throughout the summit, content creators will experience AlUla's natural beauty and rich legacy, spanning over 200,000 years of human history and 7,000 years of continuous civilizations. Participants will also explore iconic archaeological landmarks such as Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, AlUla Old Town, and Madrasat Addeera—a hub for crafts, culture, and creativity in the AlJadidah Arts District.