RoboTable2

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel environment called RoboTable2 that supports users with limited programming knowledge or experience in conducting robot programming. We have devised a tabletop platform that can simultaneously recognize multi-touch input and track physical robots, enabling users to conduct robot-programming tasks in an intuitive manner. A user study comparing the proposed and a conventional graphical programming environment was conducted, involving ten university students with no programming experience. The effects of the proposed environment were clarified via video analysis, questionnaires and usage logs. A pilot study was also conducted to verify how easily users could design and develop applications on RoboTable2. The lessons learned with respect to design guidelines for the proposed programming environment and issues for investigation are discussed.