CoBot Studio
LIT Robopsychology Lab, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz (AT); Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Universität Salzburg (AT); Joanneum Robotics JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH (AT); Polycular OG (AT); Österr. Forschungsinstitut für Artificial Intelligence OFAI (AT); Blue Danube Robotics GmbH (AT); Ars Electronica Futurelab (AT) text by Roland Haring and Birgit Cakir
When humans and robots work side by side, it’s not always easy: widespread skepticism and a lack of communication paradigms will create new challenges in future work environments. How can trust and acceptance be established in the workplace of the future? How can human-robot work environments be designed? In CoBot Studio — a collaborative research project funded by the program Ideen Lab 4.0 of the FFG — researchers from Ars Electronica Futurelab, LIT Robopsychology Lab (JKU Linz), Centre for Human-Computer- Interaction (Universität Salzburg), Johanneum Robotics (JOHANNEUM RESEARCH), Polycular OG, Austrian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (OFAI) and Blue Danube Robotics are developing new standards for successful teamwork between humans and robots. Deep Space 8K will be used to create a unique, mixedreality environment that simulates future forms of collaboration. From robotics to psychology and virtual reality, to methods of nonverbal communication, the research project will draw on a wide variety of disciplines. The research takes place at the interface between psychology and technology. It creates new knowledge as a basis for improved communication between humans and CoBots — robots that can work together with humans in confined spaces without endangering their safety. Non-verbal communication and intention signals that facilitate the assessment of the interaction partner’s intention are being investigated. A virtual reality research environment was first used to investigate the relationship between signal intelligibility and trust. In Deep Space 8K, subjects will now encounter a real CoBot in the virtual environment and attempt to interpret its signals. The answers expected from this research project should provide important information for the development of future CoBots. The teamwork between man and machine can benefit greatly from the knowledge gained. CoBot Studio is therefore another important step towards reforming the working world of the future in the interests of people.
Credit: Robert Bauernhansl
CoBot Studio
LIT Robopsychology Lab, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz (AT); Center for Human-Computer Interaction, Universität Salzburg (AT); Joanneum Robotics JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH (AT); Polycular OG (AT); Österr. Forschungsinstitut für Artificial Intelligence OFAI (AT); Blue Danube Robotics GmbH (AT); Ars Electronica Futurelab (AT) text by Roland Haring and Birgit Cakir
When humans and robots work side by side, it’s not always easy: widespread skepticism and a lack of communication paradigms will create new challenges in future work environments. How can trust and acceptance be established in the workplace of the future? How can human-robot work environments be designed? In CoBot Studio — a collaborative research project funded by the program Ideen Lab 4.0 of the FFG — researchers from Ars Electronica Futurelab, LIT Robopsychology Lab (JKU Linz), Centre for Human-Computer- Interaction (Universität Salzburg), Johanneum Robotics (JOHANNEUM RESEARCH), Polycular OG, Austrian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (OFAI) and Blue Danube Robotics are developing new standards for successful teamwork between humans and robots. Deep Space 8K will be used to create a unique, mixedreality environment that simulates future forms of collaboration. From robotics to psychology and virtual reality, to methods of nonverbal communication, the research project will draw on a wide variety of disciplines. The research takes place at the interface between psychology and technology. It creates new knowledge as a basis for improved communication between humans and CoBots — robots that can work together with humans in confined spaces without endangering their safety. Non-verbal communication and intention signals that facilitate the assessment of the interaction partner’s intention are being investigated. A virtual reality research environment was first used to investigate the relationship between signal intelligibility and trust. In Deep Space 8K, subjects will now encounter a real CoBot in the virtual environment and attempt to interpret its signals. The answers expected from this research project should provide important information for the development of future CoBots. The teamwork between man and machine can benefit greatly from the knowledge gained. CoBot Studio is therefore another important step towards reforming the working world of the future in the interests of people.
Credit: Robert Bauernhansl