Press Releases
Smart Cities and Autonomous Driving: How Technology is Providing Greater Freedom of Movement for People with Vision Loss
June 8, 2023
Latest Episode of “On Tech and Vision” Podcast
NEW YORK (June 8, 2023) — Navigating the world can be difficult for anyone, whether or not they have vision loss. Tasks like driving safely through a city, navigating a busy airport, or finding the right bus stop all provide unique challenges. The latest episode of the Lighthouse Guild podcast “On Tech and Vision” explores how technology is transforming the world for people with vision loss through game-changing concepts such as smart cities and autonomous driving.
“The big idea is freedom of movement,” says Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild and podcast host. “We’re talking about a holistic approach that considers safety, efficiency, equity, and accessibility. Everyone should feel safe and secure wherever they go – whether that’s through a city, down the street, or even just walking around the house.”
We’ll hear from Dan Parker, a professional race car driver and machinist, who lost his vision at age 27 due to a racing car accident but didn’t let it stop him from racing. He has developed sophisticated guidance systems for his racing vehicles, as well as a semi-autonomous bicycle that could give people with vision loss a new way to navigate the world safely and independently.
Greg McGuire talks about how he and his team at MCity, a company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are working on developing Smart Cities, which focus on using data to improve the everyday lives of citizens – enhancing traffic intersection safety, greater accessibility options, and more.
In a perfect world, self-driving cars will provide ease of transportation for everyone, and create safer, less congested roads. That technology isn’t there yet – but it’s being worked on by talented researchers like John Dolan the Principal Systems Scientist at Carnegie Mellon’s Autonomous Driving Vehicle Research Center. He discusses how sophisticated sensors and advanced robot-human interfaces are being developed to make self-driving cars possible.
Although the technologies behind Smart Cities and autonomous vehicles are still being developed, they are already being applied to everyday life in exciting ways. Things like miniature delivery robots that can deliver goods and AI-powered suitcases that can help people navigate busy airports, are already here – and there’s more on the way.
Now in its third season, “On Tech & Vision” has over 12,500 downloads since it launched in 2020 and is a recipient of a 2023 Anthem Award. The podcast is available online at Lighthouseguild.org and for downloading on Apple Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts iHeartRadio Podcasts and Tunein.com. Twitter: @LighthouseGld #OnTechVision.
About Lighthouse Guild Lighthouse Guild provides exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. We provide coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation and behavioral health as well as related services.
Press Contact: Bryan Dotson, Manners Dotson Group 917-796-8632, bdotson@mannersdotson.com
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