Environment modification in a simulated human-robot interaction task:: experimentation and analysis

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a novel approach to human-robot interaction, in which a user modifies a robot's environment to constrain its actions, rather than programming its controller. An HRI simulation of a maze navigation task is presented. An empirical evaluation shows that for this task, users prefer an environment modification strategy rather than a programming strategy as the difficulty of the task increases. Further, user alternation between the two types of strategy follows a clear pattern. A preliminary model extending the HRI simulation, one which allows the specification of more general navigation environments, is also presented

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.0 General
          Subjects: Cognitive simulation

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
external representation, human-robot interaction, simulation