Chinese company launches guide dog robot

Global Times reported on September 5 that Yuanshan Zhixing Technology company introduced the Xiaoyuan guide dog robot using wheels mounted on 4 legs, providing a new solution for the visually impaired. The new robot can roll smoothly using wheels on flat surfaces, then switch to using its legs to climb and descend stairs. Xiaoyuan operates with low noise, so it does not affect the user's ability to perceive the surrounding environment.

Xiaoyuan can detect overhead obstacles such as low tree branches and scaffolding that are difficult to detect with regular walking sticks. The robot has the ability to judge danger, automatically slow down or go around. According to SCMP, Xiaoyuan's obstacle avoidance success rate reaches at least 99% indoors and 96% outdoors, while outdoor positioning error is controlled within 30cm.

The Xiaoyuan robot can take on many functions including navigation, voice interaction, companionship and reminders. Xiaoyuan is designed like a guide dog, suitable for the user's normal walking habits and controlled by a leash. The robot is connected to services including the federation's system for disabled people, maps and a remote assistance portal, allowing users to seek help from volunteers in an emergency.

China has more than 17 million visually impaired people, while there are only about 400 guide dogs. The process of training a guide dog is very long, making it difficult for many blind people to own one. Guide robots like Xiaoyuan can help fill that gap.

The Chinese Association of the Blind (CAPVD) has agreed to cooperate with organizations for people with disabilities in Zhejiang province and Inner Mongolia, and has piloted guide dog robots in many locations including the subway system and shopping malls in the capital Hangzhou.