# Blind-Assisting Robots Robotic Guide Dog is a Groundbreaking Creation for the Seeing Impaired By Matt Ho | Published 2011-11-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-guide-dog References: [plasticpals](http://www.plasticpals.com/?p=30573) & [jp.nsk](http://www.jp.nsk.com/company/presslounge/news/2011/press11102702.html) Instead of [seeing-eye dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-robot-dog), the blind could be using the robotic guide dog in the near future. Japanese manufacturer NSK has been developing the robotic guide dog for a few years with the first prototype unveiled in 2005 and the second 2008. This year, they've revealed a third prototype with a few improvements to previous models. The robot takes the four-legged form, so in a way it's like having a seeing-eye dog. The team at NSK have redesigned the legs to move quicker up and down the stairs and they've incorporated [voice recognition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aidriven-robotics-technology) for command purposes. There's also a longer leash and each foot has a bumper sensor integrated to avoid running into obstacles. NSK's project certainly has potential to replace guide dogs. It'll be interesting to see how the company will make this available on a worldwide basis. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Robotic Guide Dogs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing advanced robotic guide dogs that can assist the blind with improved mobility and obstacle detection. - **Voice-activated Command Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing voice recognition in robotic devices to enhance usability and enable intuitive command capabilities. - **Obstacle Avoidance Sensors:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating innovative sensors that can detect and navigate around obstacles to improve the mobility and safety of robotic devices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Assistive Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding the use of advanced robotics in assistive technology to empower individuals with disabilities and improve their quality of life. - **Robotics and AI:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating robotics and artificial intelligence to develop sophisticated robotic systems capable of assisting in various real-world scenarios. - **Disability Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Enhancing disability services by leveraging advanced technologies like robotics to create innovative solutions that address mobility and independence challenges for individuals with disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dog-Inspired Surveillance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dog-concept.md) - [Autonomous Support Robot Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labrador-retriever.md) - [Reactive Robotic Dog Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oro-robot.md) - [Musculoskeletal Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dog-design.md) - [AI-Powered Visual Co-Pilots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biped.md) - [Wheeled Robotic Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid.md) - [Bio-Inspired Guard Dog Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyberdog-2.md) - [Robotic Canine Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metadog.md) - [AI-Powered Robot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-sesame-aibo.md)