5 May 2005
Computer technology is being utilised by scientists in the US to aid those with impaired sight find their way around large buildings.
Professor Vladimir Kulyukin at Utah State University has developed a system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to locate items and lasers to avoid collisions.
"We refer to it as a robotic shopping assistant," he told the BBC, though he insisted it was not a replacement for guide dogs.
The system is initially being tested in supermarkets. "The idea is that you simply come to the grocery store, grab the shopping assistant and it leads you to the different products. When you leave the store you leave it behind," said Mr Kulyukin.
It is hoped that the system could be mass-produced and used in environment such as airports, as well as shops.
"It's still got a long way to go but it's a very useable prototype," said blind assistive technology specialist, Sachin Pavithran, also speaking to the BBC.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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