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Book part
Publication date: 2 May 2006

23. Cognition and Collaboration in Hybrid Human–Robot Teams: Viewing Workload and Performance through the Lens of Multimedia Cognitive Load

Sandro Scielzo, Stephen M. Fiore, Florian Jentsch and Neal M. Finkelstein

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is the product of over a decade of research in the instructional science domain (Chandler & Sweller, 1991; Sweller & Chandler, 1994), and its…

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Abstract

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is the product of over a decade of research in the instructional science domain (Chandler & Sweller, 1991; Sweller & Chandler, 1994), and its applications to other areas of inquiry continues to expand (see Cuevas, Fiore, & Oser, 2002; Paas, Renkl, & Sweller, 2003a; Paas, Tuovinen, Tabbers, & Van Gerven, 2003b; Scielzo, Fiore, Cuevas, & Salas, 2004). The core of CLT is based on two sets of what are termed cognitive load factors that are either endogenous or exogenous from the viewpoint of an operator interacting with the environment. Endogenous (or intrinsic) factors are sources of cognitive load in terms of the general amount and complexity of information with which the operator has to interact. In training environments, intrinsic load is directly proportional to the amount of materials that trainees need to acquire. As such, the more complex the information is in terms of volume and conceptual interactivity, the higher the cognitive load will be. In operational settings, high intrinsic load can occur whenever informational demands that need to be processed are high. Within the context of human–robot team environments, there is likely to be unique intrinsic load factors emerging from this hybrid teamwork interaction (e.g., information produced by synthetic team members). Another source of cognitive load comes from exogenous or extraneous factors. In training and operational settings alike, extraneous cognitive load may occur dependent upon the manner in which information needing attention is presented. Specifically, the more complex the human–robot team interface is in relation to the process by which information is displayed and/or communicated, the more extraneous cognitive load can be present. For example, the technological tools involved in the communication of information, and the associated modalities used to process information may inadvertently result in cognitive load. Simply put, high extraneous cognitive load can be produced as a result of using sub-optimal information presentation and communication. Overall, exogenous factors can stem from the added complexity of human–robot operations in terms of distinct command-and-control systems that emerge from using novel technology. Within such operations, it is particularly important to control sources of extraneous cognitive load that have been shown to produce two distinct negative effects on information processing – redundancy of information and split-attention. These have been shown to attenuate processing capacity thereby minimizing optimal information processing (e.g., Sweller, 1994; Mayer, 1999).

Details

Human Factors of Remotely Operated Vehicles
Type: Book
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3601(05)07023-2
ISBN: 978-0-76231-247-4

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Article
Publication date: 30 November 2005

Helpless machines and true loving care givers: a feminist critique of recent trends in human‐robot interaction

Jutta Weber

In recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and especially in robotics we can observe a tendency towards building intelligent artefacts that are meant to be…

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Abstract

In recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and especially in robotics we can observe a tendency towards building intelligent artefacts that are meant to be social, to have ‘human social’ characteristics like emotions, the ability to conduct dialogue, to learn, to develop personality, character traits, and social competencies. Care, entertainment, pet and educational robots are conceptualised as friendly, understanding partners and credible assistants which communicate ‘naturally’ with users, show emotions and support them in everyday life. Social robots are often designed to interact physically, affectively and socially with humans in order to learn from them. To achieve this goal, roboticists often model the human‐robot interaction on early caregiver‐infant interactions. In this paper I want to analyse prominent visions of these ‘socio‐emotional’ machines as well as early prototypes and commercial products with regard to the human‐machine interface. By means of this I will ask how feminist critiques of technology could be applied to the field of social robotics in which concepts like sociality or emotion are crucial elements while, at the same time, these concepts play an important role in feminist critiques of technology.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14779960580000274
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

  • human‐robot interaction
  • Feminism
  • Human social characteristics

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Article
Publication date: 14 March 2017

Escape from the factory of the robot monsters: agents of change

Dale Richards

The increasing use of robotics within modern factories and workplaces not only sees us becoming more dependent on this technology but it also introduces innovative ways by…

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Abstract

Purpose

The increasing use of robotics within modern factories and workplaces not only sees us becoming more dependent on this technology but it also introduces innovative ways by which humans interact with complex systems. As agent-based systems become more integrated into work environments, the traditional human team becomes more integrated with agent-based automation and, in some cases, autonomous behaviours. This paper discusses these interactions in terms of team composition and how a human-agent collective can share goals via the delegation of authority between human and agent team members.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper highlights the increasing integration of robotics in everyday life and examines the nature of how new novel teams may be constructed with the use of intelligent systems and autonomous agents.

Findings

Areas of human factors and human-computer interaction are used to discuss the benefits and limitations of human-agent teams.

Research limitations/implications

There is little research in (human–robot) (H–R) teamwork, especially from a human factors perspective.

Practical implications

Advancing the author’s understanding of the H–R team (and associated intelligent agent systems) will assist in the integration of such systems in everyday practices.

Social implications

H–R teams hold a great deal of social and organisational issues that need further exploring. Only through understanding this context can advanced systems be fully realised.

Originality/value

This paper is multidisciplinary, drawing on areas of psychology, computer science, robotics and human–computer Interaction. Specific attention is given to an emerging field of autonomous software agents that are growing in use. This paper discusses the uniqueness of the human-agent teaming that results when human and agent members share a common goal within a team.

Details

Team Performance Management: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TPM-10-2015-0052
ISSN: 1352-7592

Keywords

  • Teams
  • Autonomy
  • Goals
  • Human-Agent teams
  • Supervisory

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Article
Publication date: 27 November 2019

Progress on robotics in hospitality and tourism: a review of the literature

Stanislav Ivanov, Ulrike Gretzel, Katerina Berezina, Marianna Sigala and Craig Webster

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of research on robotics in travel, tourism and hospitality, and to identify research gaps and directions for future research.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of research on robotics in travel, tourism and hospitality, and to identify research gaps and directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes 131 publications published during 1993-2019, identified via Scopus, Web of Science, ResearchGate, Academia.edu and Google Scholar. It offers quantitative analysis of frequencies and cross-tables and qualitative thematic analysis of the publications within each of seven identified domains.

Findings

The paper identifies “Robot,” “Human,” “Robot manufacturer,” “Travel/tourism/hospitality company,” “Servicescape,” “External environment” and “Education, training and research” as the research domains. Most research studies are dedicated to robots in restaurants, airports, hotels and bars. Papers tend to apply engineering methods, but experiments and surveys grow in popularity. Asia-Pacific countries account for much of the empirical research.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was limited to publications indexed in four databases and one search engine. Only publications in English were considered. Growing opportunities for those who are anxious to publish in the field are identified. Importantly, emerging research is branching out from the engineering of robots to the possibilities for human/robot interactions and their use for service providers, opening up new avenues of research for tourism and hospitality scholars.

Practical implications

The paper identified a myriad of application areas for robots across various tourism and hospitality sectors. Service providers must critically think about how robots affect the servicescape and how it needs to be adjusted or re-imagined to ensure that robots and employees can augment the service experiences (co-)created within it.

Originality/value

This is the first study to systematically analyze research publications on robotics in travel, tourism and hospitality.

研究目的

本论文全面评论了在旅游酒店业中的机器人技术的研究, 并指出文献缺口和未来研究方向。

研究设计/方法/途径

本论文分析了在1993年至2019年发布在Scopus、Web of Science、ResearchGate、Academia.edu、和Google Scholar的131篇文献。本论文对文献做了一系列定量分析, 包括频率分析、交叉表、定性文本分析、在七大确立的领域中对每个领域的文献进行分析。

研究结果

本论文确立了七个研究领域:机器人、人类、机器生产者、旅游酒店企业、Servicescape、外部环境、和教育培训和研究。大多数文献集中在对饭店、机场、酒店、和酒吧的机器人研究。文献往往采用工程手段进行研究, 但是实验和问卷方式正在呈增长趋势。亚太国家占据大多数实证研究作品。

研究理论限制/意义

本论文样本库局限于四个数据库和一个搜索引擎。只有英文文献被采样。本论文为对相关领域感兴趣的学者指出研究方向。重要的是, 本论文发现用工程角度研究机器人的文献有了分支, 有一小部分文献开始着手研究人/机器人交互和其在服务过程中的使用的研究, 这对旅游酒店学者提供新研究视角。

研究实践意义

本论文指出了一系列有关旅游酒店领域中机器人的应用。服务商必须重视机器人如何影响Servicescape以及如何审视机器人与人的交互, 确保其与员工加强消费者的服务体验(价值共创)。

研究原创性/价值

本论文是首篇系统评论旅游酒店领域中机器人研究文献的文章。

关键词:机器人、机器人经济、机器人设计、机器人使用、Servicescape、rService、人-机器人交互、研究议程

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-08-2018-0087
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

  • Robotics
  • Research agenda
  • Servicescape
  • Robonomics
  • Robot adoption
  • rService

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM): past, present and future

Mads Hvilshøj, Simon Bøgh, Oluf Skov Nielsen and Ole Madsen

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the interdisciplinary research field, autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM), with an emphasis on physical…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the interdisciplinary research field, autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM), with an emphasis on physical implementations and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction to AIMM, this paper investigates the missing links and gaps between the research and developments efforts and the real‐world application requirements, in order to bring the AIMM technology from laboratories to manufacturing environments. The investigation is based on 12 general application requirements for robotics: sustainability, configuration, adaptation, autonomy, positioning, manipulation and grasping, robot‐robot interaction, human‐robot interaction, process quality, dependability, and physical properties.

Findings

The concise yet comprehensive review provides both researchers (academia) and practitioners (industry) with a quick and gentle overview of AIMM. Furthermore, the paper identifies key open issues and promising research directions to realize real‐world integration and maturation of the AIMM technology.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the interdisciplinary research field, autonomous industrial mobile manipulation (AIMM).

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01439911211201582
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

  • Robotics
  • Manufacturing systems

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Article
Publication date: 9 September 2014

Inspector Robot – A new collaborative testing system designed for the automotive final assembly line

Rainer Müller, Matthias Vette and Matthias Scholer

The paper aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and enhanced ergonomics. To show how these systems can be utilized in practice, a new collaborative testing system for an automated water leak test was designed using an image processing system utilized by the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

The “water leak test” in an automotive final assembly line is often a significant cost factor due to its labour-intensive nature. This is particularly the case for premium car manufacturers as each vehicle is watered and manually inspected for leakage. This paper delivers an approach that optimizes the efficiency and capability of the test process by using a new automated in-line inspection system whereby thermographic images are taken by a lightweight robot system and then processed to locate the leak. Such optimization allows the collaboration of robots and manual labour which, in turn, enhances the capability of the process station.

Findings

This paper examines the development of novel applications for lightweight robotic systems and provides a suitable process whereby the systems are optimized in technical, ergonomic and safety-related aspects.

Research limitations/implications

A new automated testing process in combination with a processing algorithm was developed.

Practical implications

To optimize and validate the system, it was set up in a true to reality model factory and brought to a prototypical status. Several original equipment manufacturers showed great interest in implementing the system in their assembly line.

Social implications

The direct human–robot collaboration allows humans and robots to share the same workspace without strict separation measures which is a great advantage compared with traditional industrial robots. The workers benefit from a more ergonomic workflow and are relieved from unpleasant, repetitive and burdensome tasks.

Originality/value

A lightweight robotic system was implemented in a continuous assembly line as a new area of application for these systems. The automated water leak test gives a practical example of how to enrich the assembly and commissioning lines, which are currently dominated by manual labour, with new technologies. This is necessary to reach a higher efficiency and process capability while maintaining a higher flexibility potential than fully automated systems.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-06-2014-050
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

  • Quality control
  • Robotics
  • Automotive
  • Assembly
  • Assembly line design
  • Human-Robot collaboration

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

A lightweight robot system designed for the optimisation of an automotive end-off line process station

Matthias Scholer, Matthias Vette and Mueller Rainer

This study aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and enhanced ergonomics. As a use case, a new collaborative testing system for an automated water leak test was designed using an image processing system utilized by the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

The “water leak test” in an automotive final assembly line is often a significant cost factor due to its labour-intensive nature. This is particularly the case for premium car manufacturers as each vehicle is watered and manually inspected for leakage. This paper delivers an approach that optimizes the efficiency and capability of the test process by using a new automated in-line inspection system whereby thermographic images are taken by a lightweight robot system and then processed to locate the leak. Such optimization allows the collaboration of robots and manual labour, which in turn enhances the capability of the process station.

Findings

This paper examines the development of a new application for lightweight robotic systems and provides a suitable process whereby the system was optimized regarding technical, ergonomic and safety-related aspects.

Research limitations/implications

A new automated testing process in combination with a processing algorithm was developed. A modular system suitable for the integration of human–robot collaboration into the assembly line is presented as well.

Practical implications

To optimize and validate the system, it was set up in a true to reality model factory and brought to a prototypical status. Several original equipment manufacturers showed great interest in the system. Feasibility studies for a practical implementation are running at the moment.

Social implications

The direct human–robot collaboration allows humans and robots to share the same workspace without strict separation measures, which is a great advantage compared with traditional industrial robots. The workers benefit from a more ergonomic workflow and are relieved from unpleasant, repetitive and burdensome tasks.

Originality/value

A lightweight robotic system was implemented in a continuous assembly line as a new area of application for these systems. The automated water leak test gives a practical example of how to enrich the assembly and commissioning lines, which are currently dominated by manual labour, with new technologies. This is necessary to reach a higher efficiency and process capability while maintaining a higher flexibility potential than fully automated systems.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-11-2014-0427
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

  • Robotics
  • Modular automation
  • Automotive
  • Inspection
  • Image processing
  • Assembly

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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2020

sEMG-based variable impedance control of lower-limb rehabilitation robot using wavelet neural network and model reference adaptive control

Rohollah Hasanzadeh Fereydooni, Hassan Siahkali, Heidar Ali Shayanfar and Amir Houshang Mazinan

This paper aims to propose an innovative adaptive control method for lower-limb rehabilitation robots.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an innovative adaptive control method for lower-limb rehabilitation robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Despite carrying out various studies on the subject of rehabilitation robots, the flexibility and stability of the closed-loop control system is still a challenging problem. In the proposed method, surface electromyography (sEMG) and human force-based dual closed-loop control strategy is designed to adaptively control the rehabilitation robots. A motion analysis of human lower limbs is performed by using a wavelet neural network (WNN) to obtain the desired trajectory of patients. In the outer loop, the reference trajectory of the robot is modified by a variable impedance controller (VIC) on the basis of the sEMG and human force. Thenceforward, in the inner loop, a model reference adaptive controller with parameter updating laws based on the Lyapunov stability theory forces the rehabilitation robot to track the reference trajectory.

Findings

The experiment results confirm that the trajectory tracking error is efficiently decreased by the VIC and adaptively correct the reference trajectory synchronizing with the patients’ motion intention; the model reference controller is able to outstandingly force the rehabilitation robot to track the reference trajectory. The method proposed in this paper can better the functioning of the rehabilitation robot system and is expandable to other applications of the rehabilitation field.

Originality/value

The proposed approach is interesting for the design of an intelligent control of rehabilitation robots. The main contributions of this paper are: using a WNN to obtain the desired trajectory of patients based on sEMG signal, modifying the reference trajectory by the VIC and using model reference control to force rehabilitation robot to track the reference trajectory.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-10-2019-0210
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

  • Rehabilitation robot
  • Surface electromyography
  • Model reference adaptive control
  • Variable impedance controller

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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2020

Dynamical system based variable admittance control for physical human-robot interaction

Feifei Bian, Danmei Ren, Ruifeng Li, Peidong Liang, Ke Wang and Lijun Zhao

The purpose of this paper is to enable robots to intelligently adapt their damping characteristics and motions in a reactive fashion toward human inputs and task…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enable robots to intelligently adapt their damping characteristics and motions in a reactive fashion toward human inputs and task requirements during physical human–robot interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper exploits a combination of the dynamical system and the admittance model to create robot behaviors. The reference trajectories are generated by dynamical systems while the admittance control enables robots to compliantly follow the reference trajectories. To determine how control is divided between the two models, a collaborative arbitration algorithm is presented to change their contributions to the robot motion based on the contact forces. In addition, the authors investigate to model the robot’s impedance characteristics as a function of the task requirements and build a novel artificial damping field (ADF) to represent the virtual damping at arbitrary robot states.

Findings

The authors evaluate their methods through experiments on an UR10 robot. The result shows promising performances for the robot to achieve complex tasks in collaboration with human partners.

Originality/value

The proposed method extends the dynamical system approach with an admittance control law to allow a robot motion being adjusted in real time. Besides, the authors propose a novel ADF method to model the robot’s impedance characteristics as a function of the task requirements.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-12-2019-0258
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

  • Physical human–robot interaction
  • Compliant control
  • Dynamical systems
  • Artificial damping field
  • Robotics
  • Haptic devices
  • Compliant mechanisms
  • Man machine interface (MMI)
  • Cooperative robots

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Article
Publication date: 15 August 2016

A review on the evolvement trend of robotic interaction control

Ali Leylavi Shoushtari, Paolo Dario and Stefano Mazzoleni

Interaction plays a significant role in robotics and it is considered in all levels of hardware and software control design. Several models have been introduced and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Interaction plays a significant role in robotics and it is considered in all levels of hardware and software control design. Several models have been introduced and developed for controlling robotic interaction. This study aims to address and analyze the state-of-the-art on robotic interaction control by which it is revealed that both practical and theoretical issues have to be faced when designing a controller.

Design/methodology/approach

In this review, a critical analysis of the control algorithms developed for robotic interaction tasks is presented. A hierarchical classification of distributed control levels from general aspects to specific control algorithms is also illustrated. Hence, two main control paradigms are discussed together with control approaches and architectures. The challenges of each control approach are discussed and the relevant solutions are presented.

Findings

This review presents an evolvement trend of interaction control theories and technologies over time. In addition, it highlights the pros and cons of each control approaches with addressing how the flaws of one control approach were compensated by emerging another control methods.

Originality/value

This review provides the robotic controller designers to select the right architecture and accordingly design the appropriate control algorithm for any given interactive task and with respect to the technology implemented in robotic manipulator.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-02-2016-0073
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

  • Impedance
  • Dynamic behavior
  • Cooperative manipulation
  • Hybrid force/motion control
  • Master-Slave control
  • Robotic interaction task

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