Global positioning system cellphones tested for guiding evacuees

Demonstration experiment of walking guidance by a cane-type robot with wheels at Osaka City University

When the user walks holding the staff part, the robot automatically steers the wheels and guides the user to the destination. A feature of the robot is that it does not have an autonomous movement function, so that users can feel as if they are walking by themselves. This time, a function has been added that allows users to set their destinations by holding up their cards. However, as it was found to be difficult to use during the verification experiment, Mr. Imazu intends to improve this function, saying, "We would like to consider other methods, including voice recognition technology. A crowdfunding campaign is currently underway until the evening of the 26th in order to put the system into practical use as soon as possible. The target amount is set at 2 million yen. The funds raised will be used to develop charging facilities and waterproof exteriors. On December 12, 2019, at the Sugimoto Campus of Osaka City University in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, Credit: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun / Kyodo News Images