Academics from the University of Glasgow have partnered with industry and two key charities to develop the RoboGuide—an AI-powered, four-legged robot to help visually impaired people move more independently through museums, shopping centres, hospitals, and other indoor public places.

The RoboGuide prototype integrates a range of new technologies into an off-the shelf robot body to overcome the challenges preventing robots from being more widely used to blind and partially sighted people.

The project aims to bring a more complete version of the technology to market in the coming years to support those who live with sight loss. Around 340,000 people in the UK are currently registered as blind or partially sighted.

RoboGuide’s system uses a series of sensors mounted on the robot’s exterior to accurately map and assess its surroundings. Software developed by the team helps it learn optimal routes between locations, as well as interpret sensor data in real-time so the robot can avoid the moving obstacles it would encounter while guiding a human.

The RoboGuide also incorporates large language model technology, lending it the ability to understand questions and comments from users and provide verbal responses in return.

The Forth Valley Sensory Centre (FVSC) Trust and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland have lent their support to the development of the RoboGuide.

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In December, the RoboGuide was tested for the first time at the Hunterian, Scotland’s oldest museum. The RoboGuide helped RNIB and FVSC volunteers to find their way around the first floor of the museum, and provided interactive spoken guidance on six exhibits.

Today (Thursday 8 February), RNIB and FVSC representatives are joining the research team at the University of Glasgow’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre for an event showcasing the ongoing development of the RoboGuide.

Professor Muhammad Imran, dean of graduate studies at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, is a co-investigator on the project. He said: “Our assistive technology project for the visually impaired embodies innovation, fostering inclusivity.

“In Glasgow, we’re pioneering world-changing technologies that hold the potential to transform lives and reshape societal norms.”

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, also commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting the research and development of technology that could be part of making the world more accessible and empowering blind and partially sighted people to live their lives confidently.

“Technology innovations like this are reshaping the future of accessibility and this partnership demonstrates their burgeoning potential to create of a more inclusive world.”

The nine-month research project is being financially supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and through UKRI’s Impact Acceleration Account programme.