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High School Innovator Develops AI-Powered Robot Guide Dogs for the Visually Impaired
Introduction
In an inspiring story of youth innovation and technological advancement, high school student Selin Alara Ornek from Istanbul, Turkey, is making waves in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Utilizing machine learning and the NVIDIA Jetson platform, Ornek has embarked on a mission to create robotic guide dogs to assist the visually impaired. This project, named IC4U, is just one of the seven innovative robots she has developed, which also includes a school aid robot named BB4All designed to prevent bullying through real-time notifications and health-monitoring capabilities.
The Visionary Behind the Project
Selin Alara Ornek is a high school senior with a deep-seated passion for AI, social good, and robotics. Her journey into robotics is self-taught, and she has used the Jetson Developer Kit as a playground to experiment and bring her ideas to life. Ornek is an active member of AI4ALL, a nonprofit organization that aims to make AI more diverse and inclusive. She is also affiliated with the New York Academy of Science and has gained global recognition, having won awards at the European Youth Awards and Women in Tech Global Awards. In 2021, she secured first place at the Istanbul Bosphorus Robot Cup and came third at the 2023 OpenCV AI Competition.
Inspiration and Motivation
Ornek’s inspiration for the IC4U project came during a trip to France, where she observed a guide dog assisting its owner. Additionally, her late dog, Korsan, served as a significant source of motivation. Reflecting on the bond between visually impaired individuals and their guide dogs, Ornek realized the profound loss that occurs when such a dog passes away. This realization drove her to create a robotic guide dog that could serve as a reliable and long-lasting companion for the visually impaired.
Technical Details of IC4U
Initially, IC4U was equipped with ultrasonic sensors in its eyes to detect obstacles. However, after participating as a panelist at the 2021 World Summit AI, Ornek decided to enhance the robot’s capabilities to better mimic a real guide dog. Ultrasonic sensors provided limited object detection, only identifying obstacles directly in front of the robot. To overcome this limitation, Ornek incorporated sound sensors in the robot’s ears, enabling IC4U to turn toward sounds and process visual information using an integrated ZED 2i Wide-Angle 3D AI camera. This camera captures a broader range of visual data, allowing the robot to detect the size and speed of objects.
Leveraging NVIDIA Jetson Nano
To power the ZED 2i camera and ensure high-quality image processing, Ornek utilized the NVIDIA Jetson Nano developer kit. The Jetson Nano is a small, powerful computer designed for embedded applications and AI. It supports multiple sensors and provides the computational power needed for advanced AI tasks. Impressed by the camera’s performance, Ornek expanded its use beyond simple object recognition. IC4U can now detect city objects such as stop signs, traffic light colors, and even the denomination of paper money.
Additional Features and Future Plans
Ornek didn’t stop there. She added a shopping feature to IC4U by implementing web scraping from publicly available resources. This feature aims to assist visually impaired individuals with shopping tasks, and Ornek hopes to expand it by partnering with online retail stores. Looking ahead, Ornek envisions deploying IC4U in smart cities and spaces, continuing to explore AI applications with next-generation platforms like Jetson Orin.
Academic and Future Aspirations
This fall, Ornek will begin her studies in computer science at the University of British Columbia on a full scholarship, having received the prestigious Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. She is determined to inspire other young people, especially girls, to explore the exciting world of technology.
Opportunities for Students and Educators
For students and educators interested in AI and robotics, NVIDIA offers educational discounts on the Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kits. U.S.-based students and educators can sign up for discounts through Sparkfun, while those from other countries can check their eligibility on the NVIDIA store website. Additionally, NVIDIA provides a range of resources, including the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute Jetson AI courses and certifications, to help learners develop their skills.
Conclusion
Selin Alara Ornek’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of young minds to make a significant impact on society. Her work with the IC4U robotic guide dog project not only addresses a critical need for the visually impaired but also showcases the incredible possibilities that arise when technology is harnessed for social good. As Ornek continues her academic and professional journey, her story will undoubtedly inspire many more young innovators to pursue their passions and contribute to the ever-evolving field of AI and robotics.
For more information about the NVIDIA Jetson platform and its applications in AI and robotics, visit the official NVIDIA Jetson page. To explore educational resources and certifications, check out the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute.
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By highlighting the achievements and aspirations of Selin Alara Ornek, this article aims to inform and inspire readers about the transformative potential of AI and robotics in addressing real-world challenges.
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