Selin Alara Ornek, a high school student from Turkey, has developed an innovative AI-driven robotic guide dog using Nvidia technology, offering a high-tech alternative to traditional guide dogs.
Ornek, a high school student in Istanbul, created the IC4U project, which combines advanced robotics and AI to provide a high-tech assistive tool for the visually impaired. She has produced three versions of the robotic guide dog, with the latest version featuring a design and natural characteristics more akin to a real dog.
Earlier versions of the robotic guide dog used ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, but Ornek switched to AI cameras, allowing it to better process sound and visual information. As a self-taught robotics developer, Ornek used Nvidia's Jetson developer kit as a sandbox to test and improve processing capabilities.
This four-legged robot now uses AI cameras and sound sensors, powered by Nvidia Jetson Nano chips, enabling it to accurately detect and recognize objects, such as traffic light colors. The robotic guide dog can also assist visually impaired individuals with shopping, providing detailed information about products, including costs, and comparing them with other inventory from online retailers.
Ornek is a member of the non-profit organization AI4ALL, which aims to make AI and robotics development more inclusive. She has been recognized at events such as the European Youth Award and the Global Women in Tech Award, and won first place at the 2021 Bosphorus Robotics Cup.
Ornek began considering the development of a robotic guide dog after her dog Korsan passed away. During a trip to France, she observed how guide dogs assisted their owners and wanted to provide a companion for the visually impaired that was not limited by age or health. She said, "I started to think, if visually impaired individuals lose their dogs, they not only lose their best friend but also their eyes."
In addition to guide dogs, Ornek has built several other robots, including BB4All, which aims to prevent bullying by providing real-time notifications and health monitoring features.
Ornek plans to continue developing robotic guide dogs and hopes to deploy them in smart cities in the future. She will begin studying computer science at the University of British Columbia in the fall with a scholarship for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Key Points:
🤖 **AI Robotic Guide Dog**: Turkish high school student develops an AI-driven robotic guide dog for visually impaired individuals using Nvidia technology.
🛠️ **Technological Upgrade**: Transition from ultrasonic sensors to AI cameras enhances obstacle detection and environmental recognition capabilities.
🏆 **Social Recognition**: Ornek has been recognized in multiple awards and plans to deploy robotic guide dogs in smart cities in the future.