Design and Evaluation of a Multi-Sensor Assistive Robot for the Visually Impaired

Visual impairment affects approximately 285 million people worldwide, the profound challenge faced by those who are visually impaired or blind lies in the intricate task of maneuvering through different surroundings. The intricate nature of navigating both indoor and outdoor spaces poses significant difficulties for people with visual impairments. This paper presents an innovative undertaking that strives to address this very challenge by developing a cutting-edge robot dedicated to guiding the blind securely through various environments. Employing a sophisticated amalgamation of diverse sensors and a high-resolution camera, the robot adeptly identifies obstacles and furnishes the user with real-time information pertaining to their immediate surroundings. Remarkably, this state-of-the-art robot can be seamlessly operated through voice commands, facilitated by a bespoke mobile application, thereby enabling users to effortlessly guide it to their desired destinations. Equipped with comprehensive audio feedback capabilities, the robot effectively communicates crucial details to the user, encompassing obstacles, directions, and more. This robot can help blind people to navigate unfamiliar environments and travel independently.