Developing wayfinding robotic support for older persons with vision impairments

Persons with vision impairments (PwVI) may have difficulties navigating through indoor environments, and the barriers and their solution strategies differ based on their level of familiarity with the location. The majority of PwVI are older individuals, and there are associated physical, mental, and health changes that make it a significant public health issue. We conducted a needs assessment study to understand current navigation techniques in familiar, somewhat familiar, and unfamiliar private indoor environments for older PwVI. We used a semi-structured interview approach to explore their experiences and their overall perceptions about the potential of an assistive robot to support wayfinding. We identified their specific needs, barriers encountered when navigating these environments, solutions for wayfinding, use of assistive technologies, and their overall thoughts about desirable technologies to improve wayfinding, specifically robots. Our data highlighted common strategies that could support their use of a wayfinding robot as well as other technologies used (i.e. white canes). We share insights into designing robotic solutions that would provide better assistance to older PwVI.