Robot Cane Device For The Blind Being Tested

by Kevin Burton

   Researchers are testing what they believe will be a revolutionary robotic mobility device for the blind.

   This is not your father’s cane. The device, called “Glide,” was demonstrated Saturday at the sixth annual Robot Block Party, a celebration of robotics, held in Boston.

   “The device incorporates robotics, sensors, and software, providing a balance of support and independence,” according to the Glidance agency website. “Designed ergonomically, Glide is accessible and customizable to your needs. With haptic and audio feedback, enjoy a safe walking experience.”

   Amos Miller, a blind man from Seattle who formerly worked for Microsoft as an engineer  and Mike Sinclair, a mechanical engineer, researcher and inventor founded the agency Glidance and are developing Glide.

   Miller lost his sight in his 20s and struggled with using a cane, according to the website. His experience inspired him to use his tech expertise to develop something better.

   “The Glide is an invention that could be a game-changer for the blind,” Miller told WBZ-TV. “We help people with vision loss regain their independence.”

   According to their website, the Glide is the ‘world’s first self-driving mobility aid’ for the blind.

   “It will steer you along a path, avoid obstacles, take you on a straight line, help you locate doors, elevators, various line-of-sight destinations,” Miller said.

   To do that, the Glide uses a series of cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence, which can learn the user’s frequent routes.

   “Glide uses passive kinetic guidance through a pole with a handle connected to a small mobile platform with wheels that steer and break. It identifies the user’s location and both static and dynamic obstacles to steer the user and apply/release the brakes,” according to the website.

  The device is not yet available commercially.

   “We look forward to communicate ship timeframes later in 2023,” according to the website.

   The device runs on a battery with “approximately eight hours” of life. It is chargeable with a standard electric outlet.

   “Right now, the alternatives for the blind are trained dogs or walking canes, and the cane is much more difficult to learn. That’s not the case with the Glide,” Miller told WBZ.

   That wording raised a red flag for me and I can imagine mobility instructors and professional advocates for the blind won’t like it either.

   Cane skills are seen as the foundation for mobility and independence for the blind. If Glide does make it to market, it would still be a mistake to give it to a blind child and not teach that child to use a cane.  Even guide dog users must demonstrate sufficient proficiency with a cane in order to get a guide dog.

   It wouldn’t be a great idea to be totally dependent on a device that needs to be recharged.  Most work days, with some kind of commute, are longer than the eight hours

   Also, Glide had better be durable, able to stand up to the rigors of real life.

   So there are some questions still to be answered, but that’s all part of product development.

   The website says Glide is easy to learn and can be used by totally blind and low vision users, children and adults.

   “We believe that everyone deserves the freedom to move with confidence, which is why we design human-centered products that are both functional and easy to use, empowering our users to live life to the fullest,” the website reads.

   How much does it cost?

   “Pricing will be announced later in the year, however we plan to retail it at a similar pricing of a mobile phone package. Early reservations will enjoy a 20 percent discount on the retail price.”

   You can get the whole story and/or sign up to receive product updates at their website glideance.io.