New law of physics helps robots grasp the friction of touch • tectales •  tagging medical technology

by Amy Norton Healthday Reporter

The “white cane” that many blind individuals depend on for navigating the world hasn’t been upgraded in a century, but researchers are reporting progress on a “robo-cane” they hope will modernize the assistive gadget.

The prototype cane is provided with a color 3D digital camera, sensors and an “on-board” laptop designed to guide more info the consumer to a desired location—and keep away from any obstacles alongside the best way.

There are still issues to hammer out before the robotic cane is prepared for the actual world, in line with lead researcher Cang Ye, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Faculty of Engineering, in Richmond.

The device must be made light sufficient, for instance, to be user-friendly. And as soon as the technical details are refined, the cane will face the last word take a look at: acceptance among folks with visible impairments.

“Is that …

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