21.05.2024
Understandable robot communication with the help of Pattern – insight into the results
In the last article “Comprehensible robot communication with the help of patterns” the design process of Fraunhofer IAO for the development of robot interaction strategies (so-called “patterns”) was already briefly described. In the following, we will take a closer look at the design and initial results
After determining the necessary communication content of robots in public spaces, based on previous research results from the ZEN-MRI consortium, the Fraunhofer IAO team determined which communication channels should be used for robot communication. Possible communication channels were, for example, speech, sounds, light, a display or targeted movements of the robot.
To work out the exact communication modalities, the Fraunhofer IAO team used a card set developed by @Kathrin Pollmann, the “Modality Card Deck”. This provides suggestions as to which factors play an important role in the concrete design of a communication channel. Using the example of the light channel, these can be the following questions, for example: “Which light sources of the robot are used? Does the light signal shine continuously or dynamically?”.
A brief insight into initial design recommendations:
Both in the pattern process and in the field observations of Ulm University, it became clear that robots should communicate their planned direction of travel from the point of view of passers-by. Based on previous studies on human-technology interaction and information from Ulm citizens, the channels of light and sound are particularly suitable for this purpose. The Fraunhofer IAO team is developing a concept in which an LED strip is attached around the entire robot, which lights up at the corners like a classic “turn signal” depending on the direction in which the robot is moving. In addition, lights on the back of the robot will signal that you are reversing. In addition, this would be supplemented by a beep, similar to that known from trucks.
Furthermore, it is important to communicate how close humans are allowed to get to the robot in order to avoid potential conflicts. For this purpose, a floor projection is to be designed around the robot, which indicates a safety area that should not be entered.
If a person nevertheless gets too close to the robot, the robot communicates that the person should avoid or move away from the robot. For safety reasons, the robot would first stop and wait to avoid collisions. In addition, this gives people the opportunity to take alternative paths. If a person nevertheless gets too close to the robot, the robot communicates that the person should avoid or move away from the robot. For safety reasons, the robot would first stop and wait to avoid collisions. In addition, this gives people the opportunity to take alternative paths.
These are exemplary solution strategies for how some of the robot’s communication goals can be implemented. In the further course of the project, these will now be further tested and further refined.
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