A Decision Support Design Framework for Selecting a Robotic Interface

TL;DR

This paper introduces a structured decision support framework for selecting robotic interfaces, aiding designers in systematically comparing options based on user, robot, task, and environment considerations, validated through expert feedback.

Contribution

It presents a novel, inductively formulated framework for a priori robotic interface selection, integrating multidisciplinary insights and facilitating iterative design and documentation.

Findings

Framework is valued as a systematic documentation tool.

Experts find it useful for structured comparison and discussion.

Framework supports iterative design and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Abstract

The design and development of robots involve the essential step of selecting and testing robotic interfaces. This interface selection requires careful consideration as the robot's physical embodiment influences and adds to the traditional interfaces' complexities. Our paper presents a decision support design framework for the a priori selection of robotic interface that was inductively formulated from our case study of designing a robot to collaborate with employees with cognitive disabilities. Our framework outlines the interface requirements according to User, Robot, Tasks and Environment and facilitates a structured comparison of interfaces against those requirements. The framework is assessed for its potential applicability and usefulness through a qualitative study with HRI experts. The framework is appreciated as a systematic tool that enables documentation and discussion, and identified issues inform the frameworks' iteration. The themes of ownership of this process in interdisciplinary teams and its role in iteratively designing interfaces are discussed.