Guide Dog for Visually Impaired People

Abstract

This project presents the design and implementation of a multifunctional robot dog intended for both assistance and security applications. The robot is designed to support visually impaired users by providing guided navigation and to perform basic guarding tasks such as monitoring its surroundings and issuing alerts. The system integrates multiple sensors, including LiDAR, a camera, and inertial sensors, along with an audio output system for feedback and alerts. The mechanical structure is based on a quadruped design with servo-driven legs and custom 3D-printed parts made from PLA+. Control and processing tasks are distributed across embedded controllers and a single-board computer to manage movement, sensing, and navigation. Throughout development, several challenges were encountered, including power management, mechanical design, calibration, and component availability. Despite these challenges, the final prototype demonstrates the feasibility of combining guide and guard functionalities in a single robotic platform and provides a strong foundation for future development.