scholarly journals An Abstraction Layer Exploiting Voice Assistant Technologies for Effective Human—Robot Interaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 9165
Author(s):  
Ruben Alonso ◽  
Emanuele Concas ◽  
Diego Reforgiato Recupero
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Speech Disorders ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Use Case ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Abstraction Layer ◽  
The One ◽  
Robotic Wheelchairs

A lot of people have neuromuscular problems that affect their lives leading them to lose an important degree of autonomy in their daily activities. When their disabilities do not involve speech disorders, robotic wheelchairs with voice assistant technologies may provide appropriate human–robot interaction for them. Given the wide improvement and diffusion of Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, Amazon’s Alexa, etc., such voice assistant technologies can be fully integrated and exploited in robotic wheelchairs to improve the quality of life of affected people. As such, in this paper, we propose an abstraction layer capable of providing appropriate human–robot interaction. It allows use of voice assistant tools that may trigger different kinds of applications for the interaction between the robot and the user. Furthermore, we propose a use case as a possible instance of the considered abstraction layer. Within the use case, we chose existing tools for each component of the proposed abstraction layer. For example, Google Assistant was employed as a voice assistant tool; its functions and APIs were leveraged for some of the applications we deployed. On top of the use case thus defined, we created several applications that we detail and discuss. The benefit of the resulting Human–Computer Interaction is therefore two-fold: on the one hand, the user may interact with any of the developed applications; on the other hand, the user can also rely on voice assistant tools to receive answers in the open domain when the statement of the user does not enable any of the applications of the robot. An evaluation of the presented instance was carried out using the Software Architecture Analysis Method, whereas the user experience was evaluated through ad-hoc questionnaires. Our proposed abstraction layer is general and can be instantiated on any robotic platform including robotic wheelchairs.

Shall I trust you? From child human-robot interaction to trusting relationships

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Di Dio ◽  
Federico Manzi ◽  
Giulia Peretti ◽  
Angelo Cangelosi ◽  
Paul L. Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Pattern ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Social Relevance ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Relationship

Studying trust within human-robot interaction is of great importance given the social relevance of robotic agents in a variety of contexts. We investigated the acquisition, loss and restoration of trust when preschool and school-age children played with either a human or a humanoid robot in-vivo. The relationship between trust and the quality of attachment relationships, Theory of Mind, and executive function skills was also investigated. No differences were found in children’s trust in the play-partner as a function of agency (human or robot). Nevertheless, 3-years-olds showed a trend toward trusting the human more than the robot, while 7-years-olds displayed the reverse behavioral pattern, thus highlighting the developing interplay between affective and cognitive correlates of trust.

scholarly journals A Proposal of Accessibility Guidelines for Human-Robot Interaction

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 561
Author(s):  
Malak Qbilat ◽  
Ana Iglesias ◽  
Tony Belpaeme
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Design Practice ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Accessibility Barriers ◽  
Accessibility Guidelines ◽  
Different Characteristics

We will increasingly become dependent on automation to support our manufacturing and daily living, and robots are likely to take an important place in this. Unfortunately, currently not all the robots are accessible for all users. This is due to the different characteristics of users, as users with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive disabilities were not considered during the design, implementation or interaction phase, causing accessibility barriers to users who have limitations. This research presents a proposal for accessibility guidelines for human-robot interaction (HRI). The guidelines have been evaluated by seventeen HRI designers and/or developers. A questionnaire of nine five-point Likert Scale questions and 6 open-ended questions was developed to evaluate the proposed guidelines for developers and designers, in terms of four main factors: usability, social acceptance, user experience and social impact. The questions act as indicators for each factor. The majority (15 of 17 participants) agreed that the guidelines are helpful for them to design and implement accessible robot interfaces and applications. Some of them had considered some ad hoc guidelines in their design practice, but none of them showed awareness of or had applied all the proposed guidelines in their design practice, 72% of the proposed guidelines have been applied by less than or equal to 8 participants for each guideline. Moreover, 16 of 17 participants would use the proposed guidelines in their future robot designs or evaluation. The participants recommended the importance of aligning the proposed guidelines with safety requirements, environment of interaction (indoor or outdoor), cost and users’ expectations.

scholarly journals Burnout in Professional Caregivers and Quality of Life in Institutionalized Center Residents

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-53
Author(s):  
Juan P. Martínez ◽  
Inmaculada Méndez ◽  
Esther Secanilla ◽  
Ana Benavente ◽  
Julia García Sevilla
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
The Other ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Professional Caregiver ◽  
The One ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Professional Accomplishment

Starting from previous studies in professional caregivers of people with dementia and other diseases in institutionalized centers of different regions, the aim of this study was to compare burnout levels that workers present depending on the center, to create a caregiver profile with high professional accomplishment and to describe the quality of life that residents perceive Murcia and Barcelona. The instruments used were the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Professional Caregiver Survey developed ad hoc and the Brief Questionnaire of Quality of Life (CUBRECAVI in Spanish) on residents. The results show, on the one hand, that levels of professional accomplishment may be paradoxically higher in the case of catastrophe and, on the other hand, the 98.2% of users are satisfied with the residence in which is located and 81.8% with the manner in which occupy the time. The conclusions that are extrapolated from the study shed light on the current situation of workers and residents and the influence that an earthquake can have on them.

scholarly journals On the Integration of Adaptive and Interactive Robotic Smart Spaces

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Dragone ◽  
Joe Saunders ◽  
Kerstin Dautenhahn
Keyword(s):  
Intelligent Systems ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Smart Spaces ◽  
Robotic Approach ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Limited Degree ◽  
The One ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Social Robotic ◽  
Robotic Applications

AbstractEnabling robots to seamlessly operate as part of smart spaces is an important and extended challenge for robotics R&D and a key enabler for a range of advanced robotic applications, such as AmbientAssisted Living (AAL) and home automation. The integration of these technologies is currently being pursued from two largely distinct view-points: On the one hand, people-centred initiatives focus on improving the user’s acceptance by tackling human-robot interaction (HRI) issues, often adopting a social robotic approach, and by giving to the designer and - in a limited degree – to the final user(s), control on personalization and product customisation features. On the other hand, technologically-driven initiatives are building impersonal but intelligent systems that are able to pro-actively and autonomously adapt their operations to fit changing requirements and evolving users’ needs, but which largely ignore and do not leverage human-robot interaction and may thus lead to poor user experience and user acceptance. In order to inform the development of a new generation of smart robotic spaces, this paper analyses and compares different research strands with a view to proposing possible integrated solutions with both advanced HRI and online adaptation capabilities.

scholarly journals Comply with Me: Using Design Manipulations to Affect Human–Robot Interaction in a COVID-19 Officer Robot Use Case

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Ela Liberman-Pincu ◽  
Amit David ◽  
Vardit Sarne-Fleischmann ◽  
Yael Edan ◽  
Tal Oron-Gilad
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Use Case ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Public Building ◽  
Assistive Robots ◽  
Socially Assistive Robots ◽  
Robotic Application

This study examines the effect of a COVID-19 Officer Robot (COR) on passersby compliance and the effects of its minor design manipulations on human–robot interaction. A robotic application was developed to ensure participants entering a public building comply with COVID restrictions of a green pass and wearing a face mask. The participants’ attitudes toward the robot and their perception of its authoritativeness were explored with video and questionnaires data. Thematic analysis was used to define unique behaviors related to human–COR interaction. Direct and extended interactions with minor design manipulation of the COR were evaluated in a public scenario setting. The results demonstrate that even minor design manipulations may influence users’ attitudes toward officer robots. The outcomes of this research can support manufacturers in rapidly adjusting their robots to new domains and tasks and guide future designs of authoritative socially assistive robots (SARs).

scholarly journals Exploring Interaction Design Considerations for Trustworthy Language-Capable Robotic Wheelchairs in Virtual Reality

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Williams
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Mobile Robots ◽  
Interaction Design ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Physical Movement ◽  
Design Considerations ◽  
Robotic Wheelchairs ◽  
Proactive Communication ◽  
User Trust

In previous work, researchers in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) have demonstrated that user trust in robots depends on effective and transparent communication. This may be particularly true forrobots used for transportation, due to user reliance on such robots for physical movement and safety. In this paper, we present the design of an experiment examining the importance of proactive communication by robotic wheelchairs, as compared to non-vehicular mobile robots, within a Virtual Reality (VR) environment. Furthermore, we describe the specific advantages – and limitations – of conducting this type of HRI experiment in VR.

scholarly journals Development of Flexible Robot Skin for Safe and Natural Human–Robot Collaboration

Micromachines ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaoyang Pang ◽  
Jia Deng ◽  
Fangjinhua Wang ◽  
Junhui Zhang ◽  
Zhibo Pang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Industrial Robots ◽  
Percentage Change ◽  
Flexible Robot ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Industrial Manufacturing ◽  
Collision Force ◽  
The One ◽  
Robot Skin

For industrial manufacturing, industrial robots are required to work together with human counterparts on certain special occasions, where human workers share their skills with robots. Intuitive human–robot interaction brings increasing safety challenges, which can be properly addressed by using sensor-based active control technology. In this article, we designed and fabricated a three-dimensional flexible robot skin made by the piezoresistive nanocomposite based on the need for enhancement of the security performance of the collaborative robot. The robot skin endowed the YuMi robot with a tactile perception like human skin. The developed sensing unit in the robot skin showed the one-to-one correspondence between force input and resistance output (percentage change in impedance) in the range of 0–6.5 N. Furthermore, the calibration result indicated that the developed sensing unit is capable of offering a maximum force sensitivity (percentage change in impedance per Newton force) of 18.83% N−1 when loaded with an external force of 6.5 N. The fabricated sensing unit showed good reproducibility after loading with cyclic force (0–5.5 N) under a frequency of 0.65 Hz for 3500 cycles. In addition, to suppress the bypass crosstalk in robot skin, we designed a readout circuit for sampling tactile data. Moreover, experiments were conducted to estimate the contact/collision force between the object and the robot in a real-time manner. The experiment results showed that the implemented robot skin can provide an efficient approach for natural and secure human–robot interaction.

scholarly journals Service humanoid robotics: a novel interactive system based on bionic-companionship framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e674
Author(s):  
Jiaji Yang ◽  
Esyin Chew ◽  
Pengcheng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Humanoid Robot ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Service Robot ◽  
Interactive System ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Image Captioning ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Interactive Environment ◽  
Speech Interaction

At present, industrial robotics focuses more on motion control and vision, whereas humanoid service robotics (HSRs) are increasingly being investigated and researched in the field of speech interaction. The problem and quality of human-robot interaction (HRI) has become a widely debated topic in academia. Especially when HSRs are applied in the hospitality industry, some researchers believe that the current HRI model is not well adapted to the complex social environment. HSRs generally lack the ability to accurately recognize human intentions and understand social scenarios. This study proposes a novel interactive framework suitable for HSRs. The proposed framework is grounded on the novel integration of Trevarthen’s (2001) companionship theory and neural image captioning (NIC) generation algorithm. By integrating image-to-natural interactivity generation and communicating with the environment to better interact with the stakeholder, thereby changing from interaction to a bionic-companionship. Compared to previous research a novel interactive system is developed based on the bionic-companionship framework. The humanoid service robot was integrated with the system to conduct preliminary tests. The results show that the interactive system based on the bionic-companionship framework can help the service humanoid robot to effectively respond to changes in the interactive environment, for example give different responses to the same character in different scenes.

Maximizing the Benefits of Participatory Design for Human–Robot Interaction Research With Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110374
Author(s):  
Wendy A. Rogers ◽  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Megan A. Bayles
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Improve Design ◽  
Assistive Robots ◽  
Interaction Research

Objective We reviewed human–robot interaction (HRI) participatory design (PD) research with older adults. The goal was to identify methods used, determine their value for design of robots with older adults, and provide guidance for best practices. Background Assistive robots may promote aging-in-place and quality of life for older adults. However, the robots must be designed to meet older adults’ specific needs and preferences. PD and other user-centered methods may be used to engage older adults in the robot development process to accommodate their needs and preferences and to assure usability of emergent assistive robots. Method This targeted review of HRI PD studies with older adults draws on a detailed review of 26 articles. Our assessment focused on the HRI methods and their utility for use with older adults who have a range of needs and capabilities. Results Our review highlighted the importance of using mixed methods and including multiple stakeholders throughout the design process. These approaches can encourage mutual learning (to improve design by developers and to increase acceptance by users). We identified key phases used in HRI PD workshops (e.g., initial interview phase, series of focus groups phase, and presentation phase). These approaches can provide inspiration for future efforts. Conclusion HRI PD strategies can support designers in developing assistive robots that meet older adults’ needs, capabilities, and preferences to promote acceptance. More HRI research is needed to understand potential implications for aging-in-place. PD methods provide a promising approach.

scholarly journals Brain Signals Classification Based on Fuzzy Lattice Reasoning

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1063
Author(s):  
Eleni Vrochidou ◽  
Chris Lytridis ◽  
Christos Bazinas ◽  
George A. Papakostas ◽  
Hiroaki Wagatsuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Visual Signals ◽  
K Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Brain Signals ◽  
Fuzzy Lattice ◽  
Fuzzy Order

Cyber-Physical System (CPS) applications including human-robot interaction call for automated reasoning for rational decision-making. In the latter context, typically, audio-visual signals are employed. Τhis work considers brain signals for emotion recognition towards an effective human-robot interaction. An ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) signal here is represented by an Intervals’ Number (IN). An IN-based, optimizable parametric k Nearest Neighbor (kNN) classifier scheme for decision-making by fuzzy lattice reasoning (FLR) is proposed, where the conventional distance between two points is replaced by a fuzzy order function (σ) for reasoning-by-analogy. A main advantage of the employment of INs is that no ad hoc feature extraction is required since an IN may represent all-order data statistics, the latter are the features considered implicitly. Four different fuzzy order functions are employed in this work. Experimental results demonstrate comparably the good performance of the proposed techniques.

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