The ‘Shared Guide Dog 4.0’ is the vision of a technical assistance system that navigates urban spaces fully autonomous so that not only seniors but even blind people can use it.
The idea originated in 2019, when the University of Applied Sciences Hamburg (HAW Hamburg) put a strategic focus on micro mobility in urban areas. In 2020, the first research project was launched with HAW Hamburg's own funds (01/20-12/23), and its project title, “Shared Guide Dog 4.0,” has long since become the product name.
“Guide Dog” symbolizes that this mobile robot should navigate the person being guided as well as a guide dog. “Shared” stands for the idea that this complex new development is available for hire at a train or bus station, is used by several people, and leads to greater participation and inclusion by maintaining the independence and mobility of users. “4.0” symbolizes the term “Industry 4.0,” meaning that the mobile robot is equipped with a wide range of sensors.
The idea was so well received by all involved players that it was impossible to simply stop when the first project was completed. Furthermore, the International Transport Summit held in Hamburg in 2021 came along with Hamburg setting up a “Test Track for Autonomous and Connected Driving (TAVF)“, and the “Shard Guide Dog 4.0“ had become part of this networked community. A series of projecs follwed: the IFB Hamburg funded project “AI-Based Puddle Detection” (05/22-04/23), the BMV funded project “GehwegNavi” (03/24-08/25), and currently, a start-up is being prepared in the BMFTR funded transfer project “SafeWalker”. Meanwhile, the “dog is even dancing“ at the European banquet in Brussels, as the European Commission awarded it third prize in the“older people” category at the European Road Safety Awards 2025.
Researchers must address the challenges of navigation in urban environments, such as the fact that GPS does not work reliably near tall buildings. They must deal with similar safety requirements that automobile manufacturers also have to solve in public spaces. In addition, Shared Guide Dog 4.0 must also be able to navigate away from roads, for example on sparsely marked park paths, where puddles, bollards, playing children, and romping dogs lurk as static and dynamic obstacles. Above all, however, researchers must be good listeners when it comes to understanding the specific needs of different user groups.
Video contributions:
- Gärtner, Henner: Introducing the Shared Guide Dog 4.0 at the UITP World Summit of Public Transportation . 1:26 min LinkedIn Video, Juni 15, 2025. (English)
- Grützmacher, Hagen; Rabe, André; Stahr, Pascal; Gärtner, Henner: Jogging for the Visually Impaired? The Digital Guide Dog . Video 2:31 min with Rabe, André; Stahr, Pascal; Gärtner, Henner, Protestant Press Service EPD, Hamburg, February 8, 2024. (German)
- Deutsche Welle (ed.): Shared Guide Dog , DW Stories, 1 min Facebook Video, July 17, 2024. (English)
- Deutsche Welle (ed.): Digital Guide Dog , DW Stories, Instagram, July 16, 2024. (English)
Audio contributions:
Panel discussion and video-recorded presentations:
· Gärtner, Henner; Stahr, Pascal: Digital Guide Dog 4.0 – a research project on autonomous makes people look up. 2nd Online-Conference on Digital Change in Production Management, HAW Hamburg, 19:03 min Youtube video. January 12, 2021. (German)
Publications:
- European Commission (ed.): Announcing Shared Guide Dog 4.0 as on e oft he 2025 finalists for the Excellence in Road Safety Awards , August 5, 2025.
- Gärtner, Henner: Ultra Wide Band – Guiding Delivery Robots through the City with High Precision. Presentation at the Themenkongress Mobilität 2024, HAW Hamburg, May 22, 2025. (German)
- Bayer Vital GmbH (Hrsg.): Autonomes Assistance System for People with Retinal Disease – Moving Safely in Everyday Life . VisusVital.de, February 5, 2025. (German)
- Gärtner, Henner; Kleinelümern, Kevin: Trust Blindly – Inclusive City of the Future . Guest contribution in: Behördenspiegel No. XI, 40th year, 44th week, ISSN 1437-8337, November 13, 2024, S. 13. (German)
- Gärtner, Henner: The rolling Shared Guide Dog 4.0 – A new aid on the horizon. In: Orientierungshilfe – Trade Journal of the Federal Association of Rehabilitation Teachers for the Blind and Visually Impaired, issue 46/2024, pp. 55-57, April 12, 2024. (German)
