INNOVATION WITH
A PURPOSE:
THE STORY OF
VIRTUAL GUIDE DOGS
Backed by Innovate UK, this project represents an intensive development journey built on the powerful Red Forge game engine from Red Nought. While Virtual Guide Dogs was designed to push the boundaries of spatial computing, it repurposes the sophisticated mapping power of the Meta Quest 3 into a life-changing utility for the visually impaired.
The Vision
Our vision is for a world where your sight doesn't dictate your map. We believe that independence shouldn't end at the entrance of a library, the lobby of a museum, or the gates of a university.
By utilizing the Red Forge engine to create 'Living Maps,' we are ensuring that the most important spaces in our society, the places where we learn, work and find inspiration are open to everyone, regardless of their level of vision.
The Heart Of Our Logo: Meet Suzie
While the Virtual Guide Dog is powered by the Red Forge engine, its heart belongs to a very special Collie named Suzie.
Suzie isn't a trained guide dog, but as the companion of one of our founders, she has spent years providing something just as vital: Safety, Confidence and Freedom.
Our logo is named after Suzie because she represents the sense of security we want every user to feel. To us, she is a living reminder that behind every line of code and every spatial audio signal, there is a person who deserves a reliable way to navigate their world with total confidence.
The Journey - Engineering the Technology
The project was a rigorous exercise in hardware integration. We didn't just build the software; we engineered a system that forces the Meta Quest 3 to act as a high-fidelity navigation sensor. Our team focused on three core technical pillars:
-
Harnessing Mesh APIs: We utilized Meta’s advanced Scene API to "tap into" the headset’s raw mapping data. Our task was to take the complex mesh generated by the headset, every wall, chair and floor level and translate it into a language the Red Forge engine could use for pathfinding in real-time.
-
Precision Spatial Audio: This was the project's breakthrough. We took standard spatial audio and "tethered" it to a virtual point in space. By calculating the user's head position relative to the target destination, we ensured the audio guidance wasn't just a sound, but a directional "pull" that stayed 2 meters ahead of the user, mimicking the physical lead of a guide dog.
-
The Haptic Feedback Loop: We engineered a custom vibration system within the Quest controllers. By utilizing ray-casting (shooting invisible beams from the controller), we created a "Virtual Cane". When the user points toward an obstacle, the controllers pulse, giving tactile feedback that transforms a digital map into a physical sensation.
The Impact
Traditional guide dogs are beautiful, but limited by high costs (up to £55,000 per dog) and long waiting lists.
Our goal was never to replace the bond of a living animal, but to provide a scalable, affordable alternative that is available 24/7.
By reducing the cost of independence to a fraction of traditional methods, we are opening the door for universities, corporations and public venues to become truly inclusive spaces.
This is the beginning of a new standard for how we move through the world.
Contact
The Virtual Guide Dogs technology is being shaped by the people who use it. Whether you have a question about our technology, want to learn more about making your spaces accessible, wish to discuss partnerships, want to be involved in testing, or just want to share your thoughts, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us build a more confident, secure way to navigate the world.