Researchers Create Robotic Aids for Visually Impaired From: USC News - 06/02/2011 By: Robert Bradford University of Southern California (USC) researchers have developed a robotic, vision-based mobility system for the visually impaired that provides tactile messages to alert users about objects in their paths. The system uses simultaneous localization and mapping software to create three-dimensional maps of the environment. "There are many limitations to canes for the visually impaired, from low-hanging branches to large objects," says USC professor Gerard Medioni. "We wanted to build an effective system that would provide new opportunities for the visually impaired." The user receives route information through a guide vest that is equipped with four micro-motors that vibrate like cell phones and are located on the user's shoulder and waist. During testing, users liked "the system and they feel it really helps them," Medioni says. A vibration on the left shoulder indicates a higher obstacle on the left, while a vibration on the right hip indicates a lower obstacle on the right. The prototype system uses a bulky head-mounted camera, and Medioni says the researchers are now focused on replacing it with a micro-camera system that could be attached to glasses. Read the entire article at: http://uscnews.usc.edu:80/science_technology/researchers_create_robotic_aids_for_visually_impaired.html Links: Gérard Medioni http://iris.usc.edu/people/medioni/ http://iris.usc.edu/people/medioni/contact.html USC Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems http://iris.usc.edu/iris.html