It's 2023, and although things are still tough overall, there has been a significant improvement in terms of quality of life and autonomy for people with visual impairments. The origin of guide dogs dates back to World War I, specifically when wounded soldiers had to reintegrate into their lives outside the battlefield.

We read about it on the website of the International Guide Dog Federation, although there are documents showing dogs assisting people with visual impairments as far back as the 1st century AD. In modern history, it was Dr. Gerhard Stalling who came up with the idea of mass training dogs to assist those affected (so far, we've been using masculine terms because that's what was prevalent in World War I).

Indeed, besides providing us with companionship and love, they are also capable of guiding and offering independence to many individuals. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that there are 253 million blind or visually impaired people worldwide, making the need and desire to put technology and science to work in the name of diversity undeniable. However, the role of the guide dog is not as essential as it once was. The tech world is also advancing with an open and inclusive approach for blind individuals.

And for a glimpse, here are devices with the latest technology that make our lives a little more enjoyable:

• WeWalk

  A prime example is the WeWalk smart cane, which incorporates technology as accessible as our mobile phones. In the handle, you can find a speaker, a microphone, and a haptic sensor that sends vibrations to the person as if they were notifications. With Bluetooth technology, it can sync with a mobile phone through an app. Thanks to this, it's possible to use Google Maps and virtual assistants, allowing individuals to know where the new neighborhood restaurant is or any place they want to explore.

• Lysa

  Artificial intelligence is making its mark in this world too. The dream of having your dog talk to you is a wish for many people. Lysa is a robot dog equipped with AI and GPS designed to assist individuals with reduced visibility. It can communicate with its human companions, map the surroundings, identify objects to prevent collisions, and has GPS to guide you to different places. While it can't provide the companionship that guide dogs offer, it comes at a tenth of the cost (Lysa costs €3,000, whereas, according to ONCE, a guide dog is around €30,000).

• Seeing AI

  MThis Microsoft app harnesses the power of artificial intelligence. It verbally describes the world around you, enabling blind or visually impaired individuals to gain autonomy and improve their quality of life. It comes in handy in everyday situations like recognizing a person, identifying banknotes, or reading texts on screens or handwritten notes, among many other functions. It's an augmented reality audio experience for exploring the environment.

• Tefi

  Tefi is the robot dog born out of the Institute of Physical and Information Technologies (ITEFI), part of CSIC. This invention aids individuals with disabilities through artificial intelligence algorithms based on deep learning. The institute aimed to provide a solution to a common problem faced by many people with disabilities: the cost and waiting time to obtain a guide dog. Thanks to AI, its machine learning system, and its camera, Tefi can differentiate objects or colors of traffic lights and guide individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's, and visual impairments. Additionally, it's connected to Google, keeping you updated on traffic and enabling communication through voice commands.

  We can't compare the warmth of an animal with a machine, and there are many barriers around technology, but these are more mental than tangible. As we've seen in this article, AI, home automation, robotics, or the addition of a simple camera and GPS make people with disabilities more free, more autonomous, and consequently improve their quality of life.