Transforming Guide Dog Training with AI and Sensor Technology | NC State Research

With an estimated 45 million blind individuals worldwide and only around 10,000 to 20,000 guide dogs in service globally, there is a significant gap between the demand for and availability of trained guide dogs.

Researchers at NC State University are developing new tools to improve how guide dogs are evaluated and trained. The interdisciplinary team, led by Alper Bozkurt in electrical and computer engineering and David Roberts in computer science, is combining wearable sensor technology and artificial intelligence to bring greater objectivity and insight to the process.

This work began in 2015 in partnership with Guiding Eyes for the Blind and IBM. Since then, the initiative has expanded across North America to include British Columbia and Alberta Guide Dogs, and most recently to Australia and New Zealand through work with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Assistance Dogs Australia and Vision Australia.

The global collaboration is supported by the NSF ASSIST Center, the Institute of Connected Sensor Systems, the NC State Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, 2ndF and the Edward Alexander Foundation. Together, these organizations share a vision of using science and technology to create meaningful social impact.

Watch to learn how NC State research is advancing independence and mobility for individuals who rely on guide dogs.

#ThinkAndDo #NCStateECE #GuideDogs #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility

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