When Robots Meet People: Research Directions In Mobile Robotics

Abstract

ad to find its way at approximately walking speed. Difficulties arose from the fact that a variety of obstacles were practically "invisible" to the robot's sensors, despite the fact that the robot possessed five independent sensor systems (tactile, infrared, sonar, laser, cameras). Invisible hazards included staircases, glass cages, railings, and various strangely shaped exhibits. The fact that the crowds surrounding the robot sometimes deliberately tried to mislead the robot contributed to the difficulty of the general problem. ffl Human robot interaction. Other challenges arose from the need to interact with people in "natural" and appealing ways. The very success of the robot depended on its ability to engage people in all age groups (2-80), to "delude" them into tours, and, if successful, to communicate both information and intent effectively. Apart from the museum's visitors, the robot also interacted with people all over the world through the Web, who could