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Robotic canes for the blind

29.08.2021

Scientists from the Virginia Commonwealth University propose to create a robotic white cane that will simplify the mobility of blind people.

Blind people use a white cane and a guide dog for mobility for many years. Technology is improving, so experts have modernized the white cane. Thus, a roller tip with an electromagnetic clutch and an actuator appeared at the bottom of the cane. With the help of an onboard computer vision system, the cane calculates the direction of movement.

The technique also uses a camera, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer to measure the movement of the robotic navigation system in space. At the same time, a vibration response mechanism prompts a person in the desired direction.

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As shown by the analysis of satellite data for 2012-2016, on average, the amount of territory illuminated at night increases by 2,2% per year. The brightness of already illuminated areas also increases by 2,2% per year. Growth occurs mainly due to South America, Africa and Asia. In the war zones - Syria, Yemen and others - the illumination, on the contrary, decreases. The sky is now lit up like never before.

In fact, light pollution is growing faster, the researchers note. Most LED lamps emit a cool bluish light that satellites cannot detect due to too short electromagnetic waves. At the same time, it is this glow that is closest to daylight, which is why the body increasingly perceives night as day.

Increasing the glow affects plants and animals, changing their biorhythms and disrupting the normal functioning of the body. By 2020, LED lamps will occupy 61% of the total lamp market, the researchers note. Changing the spectrum of their radiation and reducing the brightness will slow down pollution only for a while. Scientists emphasize that it is important to reconsider the approach to the use of artificial lighting and decide whether so many sources of it are really needed.

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