Milton Keynes Open University launches special device to enable DOGS to control household appliances
A wireless button that dogs can push with their nose has been launched by the Open University to help people control their household appliances.
Dogs can be trained to press the Dogosophy Button to switch on lights, fans or kettles for their owners.
The product was launched this month, thanks to research led by Professor Clara Mancini at The Open University’s Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) Laboratory.
Initially developed to support assistance dogs in tasks to help their disabled owners, the button is now being made available to the general public for all dogs.
It is the result of extensive research by the ACI Lab’s team into dog-centred design. Drawing on insights from years of collaboration with UK charities Dogs for Good and Petplan Charitable Trust, the team at the ACI Lab created a button that dogs can use easily, comfortably and independently.
The device features a blue push-pad suited to canine vision, a textured convex surface for grip, and a gentle light that confirms successful activation. It responds to nose nudges and paw presses and can be positioned anywhere within a 40-metre range of the appliance it is used to control.
Its convex profile makes it possible to approach and press it comfortably from different angles. The button responds to gentle nudges, for dogs who prefer to use their nose, and withstands energetic pushes, for dogs who prefer to use their paws
Each Dogosophy Button package includes a battery-powered wireless button, a receiver to connect to a household appliance, and fixings to attach the button securely to surfaces.
Prof. Clara Mancini said: “I am delighted to see the Dogosophy Button concept finally become available as a product to benefit assistance and companion dogs alike, by making it easier for them to control aspects of the environment in which they live.”
“Dogs live in a world that is not designed with them in mind, which challenges and constrains their daily interactions with it. With the Dogosophy Button we want to begin to change that, by making our shared environments more accessible for dogs and more inclusive for all. The device’s simplicity and portability make it very versatile, which is one of its strengths.”
She added: “From first ideation to production, the Dogosophy Button emerges from years of research and numerous design iterations thanks to the contributions of a dedicated team.
“I would like to acknowledge Dr Luisa Ruge, Dr Rachael Luck, Dr Patrizia Paci, Elizabeth Cox, Sha Li, Jose Valencia and Brendan Aengenheister, who worked on the project at the OU, as well as UK Charity Dogs for Good and Petplan Charitable Trust for their ongoing support.”
The Button is distributed in the UK by Ravencourt Ltd. and is available to purchase from their sales website Story & Sons at a price of £80 excluding VAT or £96 with VAT. It’s being marketed as an ideal Christmas gift.
The website states: “ The Dogosophy Button will make it easier for your working dog to assist you in daily tasks and will give your companion dog more control over aspects of the home you both share. Importantly, teaching your dog to use the button can be an enjoyable and enriching activity for you both that helps you strengthen the bond with your canine friend. ”