HRI 2018 Workshop

Abstract

Commercially available social robots are finally here. Previously accessible only to companies or wealthy individuals, affordable, mass-produced autonomous robot companions are poised to take the global market by storm in 2018. It is an exciting time for social roboticists, as some of the theories and techniques developed and tested for years under controlled conditions are finally released to the general public. However, the social robots available to the public differ significantly from those currently used in labs and field studies due to commercial requirements such as affordability, reliability, and ability to function despite environmental variability. This workshop focuses on the state of social robots in the market today---the lessons learned from mass-producing and distributing actual products, and the cutting-edge research that could be brought to bear on the many issues faced. Through presentations, panels, and hands-on interactions, participants from both academia and industry give each other feedback on what is working and what is not, and set goals for the near future.