(Q1) I was wondering if you have any more information about the level of responsibility involved in taking on one of these robots? How much do we have to interact with them? How do we interact with them (as in do we keep it with us and ‘play’ with it, or do we just talk to the robotics guys about what interesting things we might like to have it do?)(A1) In terms of commitment, it's entirely up to each group to drive the project as they see fit. So you could spend more or less time on the project depending on what time available to you. It's all about having a bit of fun with robots and keeping a tab of what's happening at the lab.
The idea is to simply give a very basic robot platform and see where a bit of creativity could take them. The robots at the beginning are limited to some simple movements. Over the next 6months we'll add more capabilities, devices etc.. By December they will be much more sophisticated (and with your help) looking more dignified. The analogy that seems to work is (obviously) adopting a just born baby!
On a more serious note, we'd like to brainstorm research ideas, where we could use robots as a research tool (in your field of research).
So it's about having a bit of fun at the expense of the robots!
(Q2) I am quite interested in your activity. But I have not much time. Can you give me some advice? Or can I just join you on 26 July?(A2) Thanks for you interest in our project. We're looking for UWS groups (students/staff) interested in robotics to work with us for the next 5-6 months on developing a bunch of robots for a robotic performance scheduled for early December in the Powerhouse Museum.
We would like to have each group that adopt a robot to contribute to developing a unique robot (I.e outlook, design, etc) over the months leading up to the performance in December. This would involve some commitment to the project over that period, but not a lot.
This does not involve any programming of the robots but more concerned with the
appearance of it. However, if you're interested and capable, you're most welcome to join the robotics team in developing associated software/hardware for this project. This could be a good opportunity to contribute/hone your robotic skills.
Yes you can join on the 26th July.
appearance of it. However, if you're interested and capable, you're most welcome to join the robotics team in developing associated software/hardware for this project. This could be a good opportunity to contribute/hone your robotic skills.
Yes you can join on the 26th July.
(Q3) What related research has been done in this area?Human Robot Interaction (HRI) is a relatively new and growing research area which is multidisciplinary in nature. There are exciting new findings reported in venues like HRI conference. For example this study looked at how the design of a robot could influence the human robot interaction at home. A 2004 Robot Declaration stipulates 'Stimulation of adoption through promotion of introduction of robots by public organisations' as a way of expediting the creation of new robotic markets for wider consumption.
