Meet the six-legged robot guide dog

It might not be as cuddly as a traditional guide dog, but this six legged robot could one day do the same job in China.

The robot has been designed to help blind and visually impaired people live more independently.

It is roughly the size of an English Bulldog and has six legs to help it walk smoothly with maximum stability.

The robo-dog is able to navigate using cameras and sensors, which means it can recognise traffic light signals.

The robot dog is able to navigate via cameras and sensors

The robo-dog can communicate by listening and speaking with its owner thanks to AI technology and voice recognition.

The robot isn't the only one of its kind - robotic guide dogs are under development in other countries, including in the UK.

But in China there is a need to get the model working and available for customers sooner rather than later.

The country has a shortage of traditional guide dogs - there are just 400 guide dogs for almost 20 million blind people.

There are also strict rules on where you can or cannot walk a pet in China, meaning many workplaces and public areas won't allow service dogs.

This robot could change lives for those with visual impairments

The team developing the robot guide dogs have tested them with married couple Li Fei and Zhu Sibin as part of the process.

Li is completely blind, whilst Zhu only sees a little. For Li, this robot could change her life.

"If this robot guide dog comes onto the market and I could use it, at least it could solve some of my problems in travelling alone," Li said.

"For example, if I want to go to work, the hospital or the supermarket - I cannot go out alone and must be accompanied by my family or volunteers."