MORE | Spring 2025

Wayfinder: an Intelligent Robot Guide for the Visually Impaired

Navigating a dynamic environment is difficult for the visually impaired, often limiting their independence and quality of life. Caregivers and service dogs can be costly and inaccessible to many, while assistive technologies lack the capability for real-time navigation and adaptive support in dynamic settings. In this work, the researcher proposes a robot companion to assist visually impaired individuals by interpreting verbal commands and autonomously navigating and guiding the user through the environment using camera and lidar technology, diffusion-based path planning, and executing tasks such as object retrieval and door operation. This approach is scalable, cost-effective, reliable and enhances mobility, autonomy, and overall quality of care.