A sensory-based adaptive walking control algorithm for variable speed biped robot gaits

A balance scheme for handling variable speed gaits was implemented on an experimental biped. The control scheme used pre-planned but adaptive motion sequences in combination with closed loop reactive control. CMAC neural networks were responsible for the adaptive control of side-to-side and front-to-back balance. The biped performance improved with neural network training. The biped was able to walk with variable speed gaits, and to change gait speeds on the fly. The slower gait speeds required statically balanced walking, while the faster speeds required dynamically balanced walking. It was not necessary to distinguish between the two balance modes within the controller. Following training, the biped was able to walk with continuous motion on flat, non-slippery surfaces at forward progression velocities in the range of 21 cm/min to 72 cm/min, with average stride lengths of 6.5 cm

Exploring the Influence of Light and Cognitive Load on Pupil Diameter in Driving Simulator Studies

Pupil diameter can be used as a physiological measure of cognitive load in driving simulator studies. However, pupil size depends on both cognitive load and lighting conditions. In order to accurately estimate cognitive load these two effects must be separated. In our study we introduce illumination only, cognitive only and combined tasks. Based on these we decouple the two effects on pupil diameter and we design a predictor of the pupil’s reaction to light which can be used to estimate changes in pupil diameter that are due to cognitive load

Designing an Inclusive and Engaging Hybrid Event: Experiences from CHIWORK

Conferences are a key place for training and education. Attendees learn about the state of the art of their field, about relevant methods, and acquire networking skills that can support their work. In the world that was changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we often need to organize hybrid training and education events, including conferences, with both in-person and remote attendees. Both organizers and attendees are eager for events that are productive, safe, and that bring together a diverse group of our colleagues, across multiple fields of study, multiple countries, as well as with different capacities to travel and attend in-person and remote meetings. However, the best practices for such hybrid events are still under development. In this document we hope to contribute to this development of best practices: we report on our experiences in organizing a small, hybrid conference, and provide the lessons we learned through this process

Future cars as a space for work & play

The objective of this CHI course is to provide CHI attendees with an introduction and overview of the rapidly evolving field of automotive user interfaces (AutomotiveUI). The course will focus on UI aspects in the transition towards automated driving. In particular, we will also discuss the opportunities of cars as a new space for non-driving-related activities, such as work, relaxation, and play. For newcomers and experts of other HCI fields, we will present the special properties of this field of HCI and provide an overview of new opportunities, but also general design and evaluation aspects of novel automotive user interfaces

Working harder and longer: how managers use their time when working from home

Managers worked longer hours during the pandemic and changed how they used their time, find Thomaz Teodorovicz, Raffaella Sadun (Harvard Business School), Andrew L. Kun (University of New Hampshire), and Orit Shaer (Wellesley College). They suggest how better technology, including AI, could help them overcome the downsides to working from home

How does working from home during Covid-19 affect what managers do? Evidence from time-use studies

We assess how the sudden and widespread shift to working from home during the pandemic impacted how managers allocate time throughout their working day. We analyze the results from an online time-use survey with data on 1,192 knowledge workers (out of which 973 are managers) in two waves, a pre-pandemic wave collected in August/2019 (615 participants, out of which 506 are managers) and a post-pandemic wave collected in August/2020 (577 participants, out of which 464 are managers). Our findings indicate that the forced transition to WFH created by the COVID pandemic was associated with a drastic reduction in commuting time for managers, but also an increase in time spent in work rather than on personal activities. This included reallocating time gained from commuting into more time spent in meetings, possibly to recoup some of the extemporaneous interactions that typically happen in the office. This change is particularly pronounced for managers employed in larger organizations. We use the results from the time-use studies to discuss implications for the development of new technologies

Multitasking while driving: a time use study of commuting knowledge workers to access current and future uses

Commuting has enormous impact on individuals, families, organizations, and society. Advances in vehicle automation may help workers employ the time spent commuting in productive work-tasks or wellbeing activities. To achieve this goal, however, we need to develop a deeper understanding of which work and personal activities are of value for commuting workers. In this paper we present results from an online time-use study of 400 knowledge workers who commute-by-driving. The data allow us to study multitasking-while-driving behavior of com-muting knowledge workers, identify which non-driving tasks knowledge workers currently engage in while driving, and the non-driving tasks individuals would like to engage in when using a safe highly automated vehicle in the future. We discuss the implications of our findings for the design of technology that supports work and wellbeing activities in automated cars