Guide dogs are the right hand for thousands of blind and visually impaired people; however, they are not for everyone. But soon there will be devices that are able to replace them.

Student of the faculty of industrial design at Loughborough University (UK), Anthony Camus has developed a device called Theia, which is based on the ideas used in VR-game consoles and unmanned vehicles. In the final version, Theia will function as a robot-guide. But currently, the technology is still under development.

The basis of the device – a gyroscope with a torque movement which is used in control systems of spacecraft (including ISS). It provides force feedback depending on where the user is moving his hand in the right direction, like a guide dog.

In addition to the gyro Theia is equipped with a lidar and camera, which allow you to construct a three-dimensional image of the surrounding space, just as do unmanned vehicles.

Users can enter a destination using voice commands, and the onboard processor will determine the optimal route in real time taking into account characteristics of pedestrian and vehicular movement, and weather condition.


Source — Loughborough University