Communicating Robot's Intentions while Assisting Users via Augmented Reality

TL;DR

This paper presents an AR-based approach to improve communication of robot intentions in assistive scenarios, enhancing user understanding and collaboration during tasks like pouring a beverage.

Contribution

It introduces an innovative AR method to clearly communicate robot intentions, addressing a key challenge in assistive human-robot interaction.

Findings

AR improves user understanding of robot actions

Enhanced collaboration in assistive tasks

Potential for broader application in assistive robotics

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges faced by assistive robots in effectively cooperating with humans, requiring them to anticipate human behavior, predict their actions' impact, and generate understandable robot actions. The study focuses on a use-case involving a user with limited mobility needing assistance with pouring a beverage, where tasks like unscrewing a cap or reaching for objects demand coordinated support from the robot. Yet, anticipating the robot's intentions can be challenging for the user, which can hinder effective collaboration. To address this issue, we propose an innovative solution that utilizes Augmented Reality (AR) to communicate the robot's intentions and expected movements to the user, fostering a seamless and intuitive interaction.