ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WHAT THE TECH?) — About 10 million people in the U.S. are at least partially blind but there are only about 10,000 seeing-eye dogs in service.

Glide, this new robotic guide dog could change millions of lives. It is a two-wheel device that is connected to the ground, using cameras. While a Glide device looks nothing like a dog, it behaves like one.

“The user pushes the device forward and the camera sees the environment in front of itself and actually reacts in real-time. [It is] physically steering the wheels as the user is walking forward.”

On multiple tests through a crowd of people, Glide never bumped into a table or another person. As someone came closer, the wheels turned. As it approached me, it stopped within a few feet and wouldn’t go closer.

“If I back up again, the wheels guide me on which way to go.”

Speakers and haptic feedback alert to any curbs or steps. The camera will identify them and notify me, “stairs ahead.” When I get closer it will tell me if they’re going up or down.

Glide was invented by Amos Miller, a former Microsoft developer who became blind as a young adult.

A lot of blind people are simply not confident getting out and about because they’re not comfortable using a cane or a guide dog. What we need is something physically connected to
the ground and guides them. Something as familiar as holding onto someone’s arm.

The Glide device will be $1,500. It’s less expensive than a guide dog. The idea is for it to be accessible for people who need one.

Miller says they are accepting investors at the moment.

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