High School Innovator Develops Robot Guide Dogs for Visually Impaired 🤖🐕
A high school student, Selin Alara Ornek, is breaking barriers in the world of robotics and AI by creating robot guide dogs to assist the visually impaired. Using the NVIDIA Jetson platform, her project, IC4U, aims to provide a reliable companion for individuals in need.
About the Creator
Ornek, a senior in high school from Istanbul, Turkey, has a strong passion for AI, social impact, and robotics. As a self-taught developer, she has received global recognition for her work, including awards at the European Youth Awards and Women in Tech Global Awards. Among her other projects is BB4All, a school aid robot that helps prevent bullying through real-time notifications and health monitoring.
What Inspired Her
The idea for IC4U struck Ornek during a trip to France, where she witnessed a guide dog assisting its owner. This experience, coupled with memories of her late dog Korsan, inspired her to create a robotic solution that could serve as a dependable guide for the visually impaired.
“I began to think about the impact on a visually impaired person if they lost their dog, not only losing their best friend but also their eyes,” Ornek shared.
The Jetson Project
Initially, IC4U utilized ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles. However, following her participation in the 2021 World Summit AI, Ornek decided to elevate the robot’s capabilities. She incorporated sound sensors and a ZED 2i Wide-Angle 3D AI camera to enable IC4U to process a broader range of visual data and emulate the behavior of a real guide dog more effectively.
“For powering the ZED 2i camera and ensuring high-quality image processing, I utilized an NVIDIA Jetson Nano developer kit,” Ornek mentioned. This improved data processing allows IC4U to identify city objects like stop signs, traffic lights, and even the denominations of paper money.
Furthermore, Ornek has integrated a shopping feature into IC4U through web scraping, with intentions to expand this functionality by collaborating with online retail platforms.
Future Endeavors
Looking forward, Ornek envisions deploying IC4U in smart cities and delving deeper into AI applications utilizing state-of-the-art platforms like Jetson Orin. This autumn, she will commence her computer science studies at the University of British Columbia on a full scholarship, courtesy of the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Students and educators intrigued by AI and robotics can register to acquire NVIDIA Jetson developer kits at discounted rates. Those in the U.S. can visit Sparkfun, while international students can verify their eligibility for discounts via the NVIDIA store.
Hot Take 🚀
Dear crypto reader, Selin Alara Ornek is a testament to the power of youth innovation in leveraging technology for social good. Her creation of robot guide dogs for the visually impaired showcases the endless possibilities when passion and technology intersect. As you navigate the world of cryptocurrencies, remember that innovation knows no bounds. Let Ornek’s story inspire you to push your boundaries and explore groundbreaking solutions in the digital landscape.