Robotic Technology Inspired by Service Dogs

Service dogs, invaluable companions providing assistance to physically impaired individuals, are an elite and desired breed. Their presence in a home can make everyday tasks that are difficult - if not impossible - achievable, enhancing the quality of life for the disabled.

Yet with a cost averaging $16,000 per dog – not to mention the two years of training required to hone these skills – the demand for these canines’ exceeds their availability.

But what if these duties could be accomplished with an electronic companion that provides the same efficiency at a fraction of the cost?

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have engineered a biologically inspired robot that mirrors the actions of sought-after service dogs. Users verbally command the robot to complete a task and the robot responds once a basic laser pointer illuminates the location of the desired action.

For instance, if a person needs an item fetched, that individual would normally command a service dog to do so and then gesture with their hands toward the location. The service robot mimics the process, with the hand gesture replaced by aiming the laser pointer at the desired item.

Employing this technology, users can accomplish basic yet challenging missions such as opening doors, drawers and retrieving medication.

“It’s a road to get robots out there helping people sooner,” said Professor Charlie Kemp, Georgia Tech Department of Biomedical Engineering. “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. We think robots will eventually help to meet those needs.”

Kemp presented his findings this week at the second IEEE/RAS-EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics – BioRob 2008 – in Scottsdale, Ariz.

This technology was achieved with four-legged authenticity.

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 command categories and interaction that is core to the relationship between individuals and service dogs.

Betty, a Golden Retriever, was studied to understand her movements and relationship with commands. Key to the success is Betty’s ability to work with a towel attached to a drawer or door handle, which allows her to use her mouth for such actions as opening and closing. The robot was then successfully programmed to use the towel in a similar manner.

Her handlers were thrilled at the potential benefits of the technology.

“The waiting list for dogs can be five to seven years,” said Ramona Nichols, executive director of Georgia Canines for Independence. “It’s neat to see science happening but with a bigger cause; applying the knowledge and experience we have and really making a difference. I’m so impressed. 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 - with impressive efficiency. Other successes included opening a microwave oven, delivering an object and placing an item on a table.

“As robotic researchers we shouldn’t just be looking at the human as an example,” Kemp said. “Dogs are very capable at what they do. They have helped thousands of people throughout the years. I believe we’re going to be able to achieve the capabilities of a service dog sooner than those of a human caregiver.”

While the robot may not be able to mirror the personality and furry companionship of a canine, it does have other benefits.

“The robot won’t require the same care and maintenance,” Kemp said. “It also won’t be distracted by a steak.”

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New Initiative Unleashes the Power of Paws™

AAG Note: Kudos to Canine Assistants in Alpharetta for being a part of this adventure. We think it's great.

BUSINESS WIRE --Pets and people getting healthy together. That’s the heart of a new national initiative called Power of Paws™ that educates consumers about the mutual health benefits that both pets and pet parents enjoy and motivates them to spend time together and connect.

“Studies show there are significant physical, mental, and emotional benefits for both pets and pet parents,” said Bill Pearce, chief marketing officer for Del Monte Foods, the lead program partner. “It’s as easy as taking your dog for a walk. Researchers say you’ll walk farther with your pet than you would if you were walking alone – an activity that benefits you both. Our family of brands, including Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Pup-Peroni, and Snausages have always been focused on enriching the lives of pets and pet parents by encouraging them to enjoy active lifestyles together. We are very pleased to join with multiple pet partners to unleash the Power of Paws. We’re excited to hear from consumers as they share the impact pets and people make in each other’s lives.”

Research Proves the Benefits of the Pet/Human Bond

New research is proving the physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership for adults, seniors and even children.

• Studies have indicated that pet parents have lower blood pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-pet owners.
• Heart patients are nearly five times more likely to survive a heart attack if they own a pet.
• Just two brisk 15-minute walks with a dog each day satisfies the standard for aerobic exercise for humans and pets. Daily exercise can lengthen a dog’s life.
• Other research has connected pet ownership with better psychological health and enhanced self-esteem and social interaction.

Power of Paws™ Supports New Discovery Health Documentary Premiering Sunday, July 20, 2008

Educating consumers about the health benefits of pets is a key component of the Power of Paws™ program. That’s why Power of Paws™ is supporting a new show called “Pets and People: The Power of the Health Connection” premiering Sunday, July 20 at 9 a.m. ET on Discovery Health. Hosted by Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin, the documentary explores the impact pets have on blood pressure, how assistance and therapy dogs can help wounded veterans and autistic children and the unwavering social support pets give their owners without asking for anything in return except love and affection. Encore airings of the show are scheduled through September on these dates and times: Sunday, July 27 at 8 a.m. ET; Saturday, August 9 at 8 a.m. ET; Saturday, August 16 at 9 a.m. ET; Saturday, August 30 at 9 a.m. ET; and Saturday, September 6 at 9 a.m. ET.

Consumers Invited to “Tell their Tail” and Raise Money for Power of Paws™ Partners

Power of Paws™ is celebrating the power of the pet/human bond by making pets more accessible to those who need daily assistance or a loving friend. That’s why Bergin University of Canine Studies in Santa Rosa, CA, Animal Medical Center in New York City, Animal Friends in Pittsburgh, PA and Canine Assistants in Alpharetta, GA have joined this effort.

“The Power of Paws partners know that pets and people are better together,” said Lisa Henriksen, Del Monte’s vice president of innovation and business development. “Whether it’s outreach and education, bringing pets to those in need or improving animal health, we’re proud to help launch the Power of Paws initiative so people across the country can learn about and experience the mutual benefits of pet companionship.”

It seems that every pet parent has a story to tell about the way their doting dog or cuddly cat makes their life more fulfilling and enhances their physical, mental and emotional health. Now consumers can watch more than 100 inspiring video testimonials about pets that have helped their owners get healthier, recover/cope with an illness, deal with grief or live independently by visiting www.powerofpaws.com. These heartfelt stories told by diverse people from across the nation share one common thread: each person’s life is better and healthier because of a pet.

More devoted pet parents can “tell their tail” by logging on to www.powerofpaws.com. For every eligible person who signs up to share their story, request a Power of Paws™ DVD and brochure or receive a Power of Paws™ newsletter, the Power of Paws™ brand partners will donate $1 to the initiative’s charity partners (up to $225,000). Visit www.powerofpaws.com for the terms and conditions of this offer.

Pets are “Paws-itive” for Kids and Seniors

Kids and seniors often benefit most from their relationships with dogs and cats:

• Reading books to pets make kids more self-confident and improves their reading skills.
• Kids who suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD) learn to concentrate by focusing on a pet.
• Children who own pets score significantly higher on empathy and pro-social orientation scales than non-owners.
• Kids ages 11-16 with pets have better ability to understand non-verbal communications.
• Autistic children reap the rewards of daily interaction with their furry friend. A pet helps facilitate social interactions plus it creates an emotional and educational “bridge” between a child and other people by becoming a modality for communication.
• Seniors who have pets visit physicians 21 percent less often than those who do not have pets.
• Elderly pet parents are less likely to feel lonely.

Pets Enjoy Health Benefits Too

Dogs and cats enjoy health benefits as a result of their relationship with their pet parents:

• Studies show that 30 percent of dogs and 25 percent of cats are overweight which contributes to a shorter lifespan and an increased risk of arthritis, cancer, diabetes and other health concerns.
• Walking is a great way for your pet to get exercise and achieve ideal weight. Studies show that dogs and cats who maintain their weight live a longer life.
• Pets thrive with daily physical and mental stimulation from their owners because it builds confidence and trust.
• Food and treats are great ways for owners to connect and bond with their pets.