Shenzhen Metro pilots robot guide dog service

Shenzhen Metro has launched a pilot service featuring an AI-powered robot guide dog, nicknamed Xiaosuan (meaning "Little Garlic"), to assist blind and low-vision passengers in navigating complex metro station environments. The trial started on December 13 at Huangmugang Transportation Hub in Shenzhen. 

The robot guide dog combines several AI and robotics technologies, such as multi-modal 3D-voxel neural network sensing, integrated indoor and outdoor planning and control, and large visual language models. Using these features, it can be activated with voice commands and then perform various assistance functions, including autonomous route planning, precise navigation, obstacle avoidance, tactile paving tracking, voice interaction, and visual recognition, guiding users to specific service points inside the hub.

For this first deployment, Shenzhen Metro has established service points near the accessible elevators at Exits 13 and 14 at the Huangmugang Transportation Hub. The equipment has completed and passed safety-specific tests and on-site inspections. During the first month of the pilot, dedicated staff will accompany users to ensure safe operation. If the trial is successful, Shenzhen Metro plans to move toward more automated operations and gradually expand the service to additional stations.