Robots that will replace service dogs

It’s not exactly huggable, but researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have engineered a robot that they say can perform all the duties of service dogs, and more.

Service dogs have a great history of helping people, but there’s a multi-year waiting list. It’s a very expensive thing to have. They could also be cheaper, costing a fraction of the $16,000 it takes, on average, to breed and train a service dog.

And, even better, it can do all that without getting distracted by food, seeking affection or relieving itself. At 5 feet, 7 inches, with wheels and prongs instead of paws and a tail, “El-E” (pronounced “Ellie”) doesn’t look anything like a real dog, smell anything like a real dog, or act anything like a real dog.

But the focus of the project is to duplicate the helpful physical actions of service dogs, such as opening doors, drawers and retrieving medication — not the emotional support they bring (at no added charge) to their owners.

The robot service dog responds to verbal commands, issued in conjunction with use of a laser pointer. If a person needs an item fetched, that individual would issue a command and aim a laser pointer at the desired item.

Kemp and graduate student Hai Nguyen worked closely with the team of trainers at Georgia Canines for Independence (GCI) in Acworth, Ga. to research the interaction between individuals and service dogs.

The waiting list for dogs can be five to seven years. It’s neat to see science happening but with a bigger cause; applying the knowledge and experience we have and really making a difference. It’s going to revolutionize our industry in helping people with disabilities.

In total, the robot was able to replicate 10 tasks and commands taught to service dogs at GCI – including opening drawers and doors. Other successes included opening a microwave oven, delivering an object and placing an item on a table.

Ultimately, researchers plan to train El-E to do things not even highly skilled service dogs can do, such as dial a cellphone for help or relay information about its companion’s condition to a doctor.