A group of Rice University engineering students has created a cutting-edge vest to aid visually impaired dogs in navigating their surroundings with more confidence and independence.

The innovative wearable, inspired by a blind dog named Kunde in Houston, utilizes real-time spatial sensing and vibrations to alert animals of nearby obstacles.

The project originated when Kunde's owners, Grant Belton and AJ Price, reached out to Rice’s Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen for a solution to help their dog move around freely after losing his sight due to glaucoma.

Four undergraduates—Adam Vuong, Cristiana De Sousa, Issy Tsai, and Santiago Brent—formed a team known as 'Kunde’s Friends' to tackle the challenge.

Instead of conventional mobility aids that rely on animals bumping into objects for feedback, the students designed a vest equipped with linear resonant actuator motors.

These motors, similar to those in smartphones and smartwatches, emit directional vibrations when obstacles are detected nearby. The intensity and localization of the vibration indicate the proximity of the object.

A pair of stereoscopic cameras positioned near the dog's head capture depth information, processed in real time by a vision system on a custom-printed circuit board. This data determines which part of the vest vibrates, essentially providing the dog with an additional 'set of eyes'.

“The cameras generate a depth map,” explained Tsai, a freshman in electrical engineering who developed the motor control system for the vest. “The closer the obstacle, the more intense the vibration on that side of the vest.”

Creating a comfortable, weather-resistant vest presented an extra challenge. De Sousa, a junior in mechanical engineering, emphasized the importance of crafting a design that is sturdy enough for outdoor activities yet lightweight and breathable for Houston's climate.

Responsibilities were divided among the team based on their expertise. Brent, an electrical engineering junior, managed imaging and data processing. Vuong and De Sousa focused on system integration and vest design, while Tsai ensured the motor system was lightweight and efficient.

The use of open-source machine learning tools and affordable electronics helped make the vest accessible and adaptable. The team envisions that their design could be scaled or adjusted for various purposes, including wearable rehabilitation aids for humans.

“This project demonstrates that with the right combination of low-power sensors and haptic feedback, it is feasible to offer real-time spatial guidance in a lightweight, inconspicuous manner,” stated Brent.

The current prototype has a range of up to eight meters and a battery life of approximately two hours. Kunde is continuously testing the latest version, which aims to minimize collisions and boost confidence during movement.

The students presented their creation at the 2025 Huff OEDK Showcase in April.

By addressing a specific need with scalable technology, the project could have broader implications beyond assisting blind dogs, potentially influencing the future of wearable technology for humans.