While humans work feverishly to produce new technologies, often times it is nature with the greatest solution. One of the most impressive example of this is found in the use of service animals. Service animals are widely used to help those with disabilities to live more normal, easier lives, and in that sense they can be thought of as a form of natural assistive technology, far more capable than any robot ever built. While it is commonly known that dogs can be trained to help the blind navigate, or signal the deaf of loud noises, which themselves are incredible tasks, these animals can be trained to help in even more subtle ways as well. People who suffer from epilepsy for example, can obtain a trained dog which will recognize when its owner is having a seizure, and alert others of what is going on. This type of behavioral recognition is incredible, and can keep someone from getting seriously injured. Some dogs can even be trained to press an automatic button which will call the police in the case of a seizure. For someone who lives with epilepsy, and who may be in constant fear of injuring themselves in the event of a seizure, having a service animal like this could provide not only serious therapeutic companionship, but also much greater peace of mind, knowing that they are never alone.
It has even been observed, that some dogs have the capability of detecting the onset of a seizure before it actually occurs! This type of early detection is not fully understood by scientists, but has been observed minutes, or even hours, before the onset of a seizure. Viewing these animals themselves as an assistive technology could encourage scientists to work with them in order to actually understand the root of this detection. It seems apparent that when developing new technologies, we should look to be inspired by the complex technologies that exist as simple pets, all around us.
Service dog helping to guide someone with a disability
I’m almost amazed by how perceptive animals can be. My digs certainly can sense my mood, and always seem to know when to provide my wife and I with some extra company. I think this level of perception is what really separates service animals from robots. Maybe robots will eventually get there, but we’re a long way away!