The dog vest is an innovative invention developed by a team of experts from Georgia Tech in the United States, which includes one of the renowned designers behind Google Glass. The objective of the project, aptly named FIDO, is to promote better communication between service dogs and their handlers, particularly those with visual or other physical impairments.
The FIDO system incorporates a specially designed computerized vest that features two switches, located on either side of the garment. These switches can be activated by the dog either by biting or pulling them, depending on the specific message that the animal wishes to convey to its owner.
The vest is not only useful for dogs who serve as guides for individuals with disabilities, but it can also be utilized to aid animals in search and rescue operations. For instance, in the aftermath of an earthquake, a dog equipped with the FIDO technology can help search through rubble and signal to their handler whether they have found any survivors, and provide their location status.
Dogs trained to use FIDO technology would be conditioned to associate certain scents with specific sensors, allowing them to alert their human companions with a range of different expressions.
In the long run, dogs could potentially be equipped with the FIDO vest while they are guarding their owner’s home, allowing them to report any issues or unexpected visitors in real-time.
The FIDO system has the potential to revolutionize the way that service dogs communicate with their handlers, paving the way for better understanding and cooperation between humans and animals.
