Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Question for people with a guide dog (self.Blind)
submitted by Reaching-Evora
A few weeks ago I saw on the internet how someone created a robot with the purpose to be a cheaper alternative for the guiding dog. And now I am wondering if people with a guiding dog would mind whether it's a dog or a robot helping them on their way? Would some even prefer a robot over a guiding dog?
Every response is much appreciated.
Every response is much appreciated.
KillerLag 6 points 6y ago
I would suspect most people with a guide dog would not want it to be just replaced with technology. The guide dog does more than just guide, although that is it's primary job.
It is both a companion and a friend, and a guide dog is quite instrumental in helping people regain their independence that is not just related to skills. There is also a social aspect to it.... the dog is more inviting than just technology (sometimes a bit too much, but that is a matter of debate). To date, I have never had someone come up to a client and ask to pet their cane ;)
It is both a companion and a friend, and a guide dog is quite instrumental in helping people regain their independence that is not just related to skills. There is also a social aspect to it.... the dog is more inviting than just technology (sometimes a bit too much, but that is a matter of debate). To date, I have never had someone come up to a client and ask to pet their cane ;)
bondolo 1 points 6y ago
On the other hand guide dogs have short lives and short careers. Many people, especially those who are unable to keep their retired guides, often find it difficult to handle the transition. I've heard some interest in miniature guide horses based upon their much longer potential working careers.
Most of the interest in guide robots is about potentially being faster than cane travel for certain conditions. None of the robots I've heard talk of have been as versatile as either cane or dogs. Being able to travel faster inside office buildings or in urban areas is certainly useful though. As far as I am aware the only current actively used guide robots are used by cane users in a medical campus setting for more efficient travel while on campus--they leave the robot behind when they go home. Eventually when the robot can include identification of objects, read signs, etc. it may also become more useful.
Most of the interest in guide robots is about potentially being faster than cane travel for certain conditions. None of the robots I've heard talk of have been as versatile as either cane or dogs. Being able to travel faster inside office buildings or in urban areas is certainly useful though. As far as I am aware the only current actively used guide robots are used by cane users in a medical campus setting for more efficient travel while on campus--they leave the robot behind when they go home. Eventually when the robot can include identification of objects, read signs, etc. it may also become more useful.
KillerLag 1 points 6y ago
Short is relative, though... on average, they work for about 10 years, with some being longer. Most people's phones don't last that long :O Previous to smartphones, one of the biggest advances in mobility technology was the Trekker, and I don't think that lasted more than 5 years.
I've heard about the guide horses, but have not seen any (in Canada). I would love to talk to someone who has one, I can't imagine the logistics of getting around with a guide horse. Where would the horse be in a movie theatre?
I can see the potential for high tech vastly improve mobility (looking at Google's Tango tech), but I don't think it it close enough yet. But who knows, the technology may have a sudden advance in a few years
I've heard about the guide horses, but have not seen any (in Canada). I would love to talk to someone who has one, I can't imagine the logistics of getting around with a guide horse. Where would the horse be in a movie theatre?
I can see the potential for high tech vastly improve mobility (looking at Google's Tango tech), but I don't think it it close enough yet. But who knows, the technology may have a sudden advance in a few years
Nighthawk321 2 points 6y ago
I feel like it depends on the person. I would imagine a robot to be more accurate in what it does, but at the same time, I love the companionship I have with my guide dog.
fastfinge 1 points 6y ago
I don't have a dog, and never will. I don't like dogs, and I don't trust them. So bring on the robots! Robots don't need to go walkies twice a day, don't need feeding, don't poop, and don't turn your house into a giant mess of smelly dog hair.
AlliTurna 2 points 6y ago
That is why we need guide cats!
fastfinge 4 points 6y ago
My cat would guide me directly to the sofa, where she would curl up and sleep all day. Hmmmm. The more I think about it, the more I like this idea. :-)
KillerLag 2 points 6y ago
LOL, I picture the guide cat in a tree ;)
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