Physically Interactive Robogames: Definition and Design Guidelines

There is evidence that people expects to be able to play games with autonomous robots, so that robogames could be one of the next killer ap- plications for Robotics. Physically Interactive RoboGames (PIRG) is a new application field where autonomous robots are involved in games requiring physical interaction with people. Since research in this field is moving its first steps, definitions and design guidelines are still largely missing. n this paper, a definition for PIRG is proposed, together with guidelines for their design. Physically Interactive, Competitive RoboGames (PICoRG) are also introduced. They are a particular kind of PIRG where human players are involved in a challenging, highly interactive and competitive game activity with autonomous robots. The development process of a PICoRG, Jedi Trainer , is presented to show a practical application of the proposed guidelines. The game has been successfully played in different unstructured environments, by general public; feedback is reported and analysed

The next ‘killer ap ’ has been here all along: case studies as practical business applications

Abstract: The next ‘killer ap ’ is a term the software development community uses to describe its great quest for advancing technology by defining and meeting users ’ needs and wants and rapidly diffusing it throughout the market. By making a computer application (program) that meets those needs and making it is so ubiquitously available, it creates a flood of demand. Business managers are also questing after killer aps, but of another kind. These aps are neither confined to computers nor necessarily for new product development; they are for aiding the firm with detecting problems and finding solutions. The quest may seem quixotic, unless managers remember earlier ways of discovery and learning. We bring in the business case study