Source: https://omfut.com/robo-suitcase-japans-new-invention-for-visually-impaired/2025/
IBM Japan and its four partners are developing a robot in the shape of a
suitcase which uses artificial intelligence to guide the visually impaired.
Chieko Asakawa, a person of Japan IBM has problems with vision. Taking
Adamawa as inspiration, the robot uses a battery, a sensor and a camera to find
out the obstacles and warns the users.
It lets users know if anyone is approaching near or any other amenities
are there in the surrounding, via the audio system. This system works as the
“eyes” of them.
“It is impossible for people with visual impairments to walk all over the
town freely and securely,” Asakawa said that he will make it achievable.
Asakawa hit on the idea of a guide robot while moving a suitcase on a
trip in front of her. The suitcase fitted by the sensor gave her the idea that
people with visual impairments could safely turn around when scanning the
surroundings.
IBM Japan is in charge of artificial intelligence for this particular
robot.
The partners of this project are:
Alps Alpine Co.’s haptic technology.
Omron Corp.’s image recognition and sensing techniques.
Shimizu Corp.’s position navigation system.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s automotive technologies.
The joint venture set by the 5 companies in the month of December
identifies the challenges the commercialization of the device will have to
overcome in three years by 2022.
The robot guide first enters airports, then the commercial complexes and
later the other indoor facilities and then further enhanced for the purpose of
outdoor.
