NavBelt and the GuideCane

Shraga Shoval; Iwan Ulrich; Johann Borenstein

doi:10.1109/MRA.2003.1191706

NavBelt and the GuideCane

Shraga Shoval, Iwan Ulrich, Johann Borenstein

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

145 Scopus citations

Abstract

The NavBelt and the GuideCane are computerized devices based on advanced mobile robotics obstacle-avoidance technologies. NavBelt is worn by the user like a belt and is equipped with an array of ultrasonic sensors. It provides acoustic signals via a set of stereo earphones that guides the user around obstacles or "displays" a virtual acoustic panoramic image of the traveler's surroundings. However, for NavBelt it is exceedingly difficult for the user to comprehend the guidance signals in time to allow fast walking. A newer device, GuideCane, effectively overcomes this problem. The GuideCane uses the same mobile robotics technology as the NavBelt but is a wheeled device pushed ahead of the user via an attached cane. When it detects an obstacle, it steers around it. The user immediately feels this steering action and can follow the GuideCane's new path easily without any conscious effort.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	9-20
Number of pages	12
Journal	IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine
Volume	10
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1109/MRA.2003.1191706
State	Published - Mar 2003
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Blind
Mobile robots
Rehabilitation robotics
Travel aid
Visually impaired

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10.1109/MRA.2003.1191706

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note = "Funding Information: Development of the NavBelt was funded by the Michigan Consortium for Enabling Technologies (MCET). Development of the GuideCane was funded by the Whitaker Foundation. Ultrasonic sensor-based obstacle-avoidance methods",

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NavBelt and the GuideCane

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