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A group of Japanese companies is\u00a0developing a suitcase-shaped\u00a0robot that uses AI to help visually-impaired people to travel independently.<\/p>\n
The small navigation robot will scan the user\u2019s location and map data to identify the best route to their destination. It will then guide them there through voice and haptic technology that transmits vibrations transmitted through the suitcase handle.<\/p>\n
While they travel, the suitcase will analyze data from video cameras and distance sensors to identify and avoid any obstacles that emerge in their path, and assess whether the behavior of people nearby requires the user to take actions such as joining lines.<\/p>\n
It will also include an interactive conversational feature that can notify users if a friend is approaching or if there stores nearby where they may want to shop.<\/p>\n
[Read:\u00a0Are you for wheel? These 6 European startups disrupting mobility and subscription services are]<\/em><\/p>\n Chieko Asakawa, an IBM Japan fellow who has vision problems, came up with the idea when she was pushing a suitcase during a business trip,\u00a0according to the Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese national newspaper. She realized that adding sensors to the device could help visually-impaired people to walk around more safely.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s impossible for visually impaired individuals to walk around town alone freely and safely,\u201d Asakawa said. \u201cI want to make that possible.\u201d<\/p>\n The project will bring together different expertise from a range of companies.\u00a0IBM Japan will be responsible for the AI,\u00a0<\/span>Alps Alpine will provide haptic technology, Omron the image recognition and sensors, Shimizu the navigation system, and Mitsubishi the automotive technologies.<\/p>\n They established a consortium to improve accessibility and quality of life for the visually impaired, whose numbers are rising due to age-related declining vision and eye diseases such as glaucoma.\u00a0A study published in the Lancet Global Health medical journal predicted\u00a0that the number of blind people in the world will triple to 115 million by 2050.\u00a0The consortium believes that the AI suitcase will help them to be more independent.<\/p>\n The group will first conduct pilot experiments to identify the requirements for a prototype device, which will be opened to the public in June 2020 at a commercial complex in Tokyo.<\/p>\n After the pilot, they plan to roll the suitcase out in\u00a0airports, commercial complexes and other indoor facilities. before further refining the technology for outdoor use.<\/p>\n You\u2019re here because you want to learn more about artificial intelligence. So do we. So this summer, we\u2019re bringing Neural to <\/span>TNW Conference 2020,<\/span> where we will host a vibrant program dedicated exclusively to AI. With keynotes by experts from companies like Spotify and RSA, our Neural track will take a deep dive into new innovations, ethical problems, and how AI can transform businesses. <\/span>Get your early bird ticket<\/span> and <\/span>check out the full Neural track<\/span>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n \n Published February 24, 2020 \u2014 17:48 UTC\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nDeveloping the AI suitcase<\/h2>\n
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