Human-robot co-navigation using anticipatory indicators of human walking motion

Mobile, interactive robots that operate in human-centric environments need the capability to safely and efficiently navigate around humans. This requires the ability to sense and predict human motion trajectories and to plan around them. In this paper, we present a study that supports the existence of statistically significant biomechanical turn indicators of human walking motions. Further, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these turn indicators as features in the prediction of human motion trajectories. Human motion capture data is collected with predefined goals to train and test a prediction algorithm. Use of anticipatory features results in improved performance of the prediction algorithm. Lastly, we demonstrate the closed-loop performance of the prediction algorithm using an existing algorithm for motion planning within dynamic environments. The anticipatory indicators of human walking motion can be used with different prediction and/or planning algorithms for robotics; the chosen planning and prediction algorithm demonstrates one such implementation for human-robot co-navigation

Preparing for Industrial Collaborative Robots: A Literature Review of Technology Readiness and Acceptance Models

This item is only available electronically.Collaborative robots (cobots) are an emerging technology that are increasingly being introduced into organisations. However, research investigating employee attitudes towards, or assessment of factors predicting acceptance of cobots is limited. A literature review was conducted to identify reliable and parsimonious models of technology acceptance that would hold relevance when applied to cobots. Understanding and facilitating employee acceptance of such technology is important if the improved productivity, job satisfaction and cost savings associated with its implementation are to be achieved. The Technology Readiness Index (Parasuraman, 2000) and Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989) were considered most appropriate as a starting point to empirically explore cobot acceptance.Thesis (M.Psych(Organisational & Human Factors)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 201