FIGURE C

Domo holds a box for his inventor, Aaron Edsinger. Click picture for a larger image.

Domo's hands can take an object in one hand, switch the object to the other hand, and place it on a shelf, just from a few voice commands. Domo's fingers have sensors that estimate the size of objects. Springs in Domo's arms, hands, and neck detect human touch, so you can guide him through tasks.

Be careful, though. If you push too hard, Domo says "Ouch!"

Domo's eye sockets feature cameras that recognize human facial expressions and even gaze into your eyes. Edsinger believes that this human-like connection is important for people to feel at ease with robotic helpers. Personally, I find a robot's staring into my eyes a bit creepy, but I suppose I would get used to it.

The potential of robots like Domo to assist me with tasks around the house holds great appeal, although I don't think one could help me in the shower without short-circuiting.

Humanoid robots offer more portability than the robotic appendages. I'm sure I would receive plenty of strange looks strolling in public with a robot companion, but I could put a sign on him explaining that he has my permission to pinch anyone who stares at me.

Since I also have a speech impairment, I fear a robot like Domo may misunderstand my commands. If his recognition of my speech is anything like that of Dragon Naturally Speaking, he might bring me a pair of shoes when I actually asked for a bag of M&M's. I would feel better giving commands with a remote control.

Where's it all going?
Voice recognition accuracy must improve before robotic helpers can fulfill their promise for individuals with disabilities. A recent study by Vladimir Kulyukin, assistant professor of computer science at Utah State University, tested RFID-equipped robotic guides for people with blindness.

The man testing the device told the robot where he wanted to go, and the robot guided him by reading RFID tags placed around the building. Although the robot accurately read the tags, each time the tester cleared his throat, the robot tried to direct him to the restroom. Foregoing speech recognition for now, Kulyukin plans to incorporate RFID technology into shopping carts that will guide people with vision impairments to items throughout the store.

Numerous research projects are testing all sorts of applications of robotics for those of us with disabilities, such as teaching language and social skills to children and retraining the brains of those who have suffered strokes. Until the availability, portability and affordability of robot helpers improves, however, I'll stick with humans.

G. Denise Lance, Ph.D. is a researcher, online instructor, and freelance writer who often covers assistive technology.