Chantal Keller is a development engineer in Prof. Dario Schafroth's team at the Institute for Lab Automation and Mechatronics at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST). As the leader of the VIRAS project, she emphasizes the great potential and social relevance of the smart shopping cart for equality and integration: "The project allows blind and visually impaired people to, for the first time, have a fully self-determined shopping experience and thereby closes a central gap in barrier-free provision. Focus is on a consistently user-centered development approach. With an acceptance rate of nearly 90% among those surveyed, VIRAS shows the high potential of assistive technologies that sustainably promote autonomy, quality of life and participation in society."
How the VIRAS smart shopping cart works
The VIRAS smart shopping cart combines state-of-the-art sensors and intelligent software to make a safe and self-determined shopping experience possible for blind people. The entire process starts already with the shopping list. In the first step, this is transferred into the accompanying VIRAS app – either by entering it manually or by using a barcode scanner directly on packaging or household supplies. The autonomous navigation then starts: The shopping cart precisely localizes itself in the supermarket environment and plans efficient, collision-free routes to the desired products in real time. This occurs with the help of a camera system for environmental perception as well as high-performance modules for data processing. The position of the cart can thereby be constantly adapted, allowing it to react to the current surroundings.
Once at the shelf, VIRAS activates product detection. Two laterally mounted, swiveling cameras detect the situation from different perspectives. An AI-assisted image analysis module identifies and finds the product being searched for using visual characteristics and audibly outputs its exact location. Parallel to this, a hand tracking module follows the movements of the user. Using acoustic information and haptic feedback, the hand is precisely guided to the desired item until the product has been correctly grasped. After placement in the cart, the system confirms the successful completion of the task with an audible signal. Voice control and intuitive feedback make the interaction easy and barrier-free. After all of the items from the shopping list have been gathered, the navigation system guides the user to the checkout. The result is a shopping process that combines technological precision with practical suitability for daily use.
FAULHABER makes it possible: How VIRAS moves smoothly and jerk-free
One of the greatest technical challenges in the VIRAS project was in realizing precise localization and reliable 3D mapping in highly dynamic, often overcrowded supermarket environments – and to do it without external infrastructure. Another important feature for the shopping cart: That it can safely perform evasive maneuvers with respect to other people or movable objects in narrow, constantly changing aisles. To meet these requirements under real operating conditions, robust and high-performance hardware was essential.
FAULHABER offered the necessary support here: The drive for the smart shopping cart was realized using the two brushless, flat DC-Micromotors from the BXT H family, including gearheads as well as the MC 5005 S Motion Controller. All operating and load scenarios – from the fully loaded cart to the requirements on energy efficiency and noise emissions – were taken into consideration for optimum motorization.
Special attention was given to the development of motors that produce high starting and static torque at low speeds. The shopping cart can thereby reliably be kept on the specified route even when fully loaded while still enabling gentle acceleration and braking operations. Also important was quiet operation of the drives: This ensures that users can clearly perceive their environment without additional noise.
The shopping cart in a practical test
Chantal Keller explains the process involved in the development and testing of VIRAS: "The target group is actively incorporated in all phases of the project, thereby ensuring that a needs-oriented solution is developed. Instead of passive tools, an intelligent, physically supportive system is used that doesn't act on behalf of people with disabilities but rather offers them targeted assistance to allow them to independently manage their daily lives."
The field tests with the VIRAS smart shopping cart supplied valuable findings about its suitability for daily use. Especially positive was the fact that the cart could provide constant torque even at very low speeds. As a result, it was possible for the visually impaired test persons to safely follow the cart at all times. The drive motors immediately responded to input via the thumb-controlled accelerator and stopped precisely at the intended destination point in front of the shelf. The integrated 4-quadrant control, which enables a gentle transition between forwards and reverse travel, was also convincing. Potential collisions are thereby avoided.
The test persons also emphasized the low audible noise of the drive units. Thanks to the quiet motors, both audible messages from the system as well as environmental noises in the supermarket could be heard clearly. The test persons reported that they felt safe at all times and could give their full attention to the actual shopping process.
Even more possibilities for the future
The experiences gained open diverse perspectives for the further development of VIRAS. Designed as a modular platform, the system can be flexibly transferred to other retail segments, such as furniture stores, DIY markets, clothing shops or pet supply stores. In addition, the planned self-checkout function offers an added value.
There are also exciting applications beyond classic retail stores: In museums or exhibits, VIRAS could be used as a mobile guide and, through multi-modal interaction, enrich the visitor experience of blind and visually impaired guests. At the same time, this concept opens new possibilities for additional target groups. Wheelchair users or older people with walking impediments could benefit from individually adapted hardware, such as variable handle heights, integrated seat and control elements as well as enhanced tactile feedback. Initial surveys are already underway at the OST Institute for Ageing Research. For people with cognitive limitations, VIRAS also offers clear route instructions and voice-activated reminders – such as for recurring shopping lists.
Last but not least, the employees of retail stores stand to benefit as well: The digital twin and a real-time inventory control can be used to integrate VIRAS in logistical processes. The cart could assist in stocking shelves by automatically detecting empty spaces and recording inventory data. This expands the uses of VIRAS from a pure shopping assistant to a comprehensive tool for customers and retailers alike.
Autonomous shopping as a key to more independence and inclusion
With VIRAS, the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) impressively demonstrates how innovation and drive technology can be more inclusively incorporated in daily life. The autonomous shopping cart opens the possibility of independent shopping for visually impaired and blind people – from the digital list to safe navigation and payment. Intelligent sensors, precise motor control and reliable drive systems from FAULHABER form the technological basis here. But VIRAS is more than a technical tool: The project pursues the goal of improving the quality of life, removing barriers and sustainably promoting the social participation of people with limitations. VIRAS thereby paves the path for a future in which independence and inclusion become a matter of course.
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