AI chatbot aids blind gamer’s journey in Tokyo
Despite relying heavily on tactile paving and a white stick, the journey took four times longer than it would for a sighted person, with several navigation errors and eventual assistance from a friend.
Japanese eSports gamer Mashiro, who is blind, is exploring how AI can help him navigate independently. The 26-year-old ‘Street Fighter’ player recently tested the AI chatbot ChatGPT on his way to a Para eSports meet-up, hoping it could provide personalised support. Using GPT-4o, Mashiro asked for detailed directions suited for his blindness, receiving responses through an earpiece while navigating Tokyo’s streets.
Mashiro’s journey, which would take sighted individuals 20 minutes, took him significantly longer, demonstrating AI assistance’s potential and current limitations. He found ChatGPT’s advice helpful but encountered challenges due to the bot’s limited recognition of Japanese words and locations. Despite the difficulties, Mashiro appreciated the experience and expressed optimism about AI’s future role in promoting independence for people with disabilities.
Experts acknowledge the promise of AI in making everyday services more accessible, though they also caution about its limitations. AI can offer tailored assistance better than generic tools, but improvements in accuracy and inclusivity are needed. Mashiro’s experiment highlights AI’s ongoing development and potential to enhance the lives of those with disabilities.
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