Hello:
I am a cane user so I can't speak with experience on guide dogs.
There have been various proposals for navigational devices in the past.
There are efforts underway to use differential GPS. These have received wide
coverage in the past. I am not sure where developments are at present,
but I thought a commercially available unit would soon be on the market.
The idea of a self propelled guide would really have to be worked on. Dog and
cane users handle stairs, curbs and can cross grassy areas.
I know of a wheelchair made in Sweden that uses caterpilar type tracks and can
as a result climb stairs. I am inclined to think that the mechanics would get
very involved. One good thing about an electronic dog is that you wouldn't have
to groom it, clean up after it or worry about it eating or drinking.
One area where electronic aids might be very useful would be for blind people who
use wheelchairs. Each year at National convention, I see more and more people
in wheelchairs. It is quite a trick to get around in a wheelchair while using a
cane. More later.
Robert Jaquiss
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