
TL;DR
This paper introduces a model that simulates the sidewalk salsa phenomenon, capturing pedestrian interactions and cultural norms, which can inform the development of socially aware mobile robots.
Contribution
It presents a novel interaction model based on plans and beliefs that reproduces sidewalk salsa behavior and incorporates cultural passing norms.
Findings
Model reproduces sidewalk salsa in simulations
Behavior aligns with real-world pedestrian interactions
Cultural norms influence passing side choices
Abstract
When two pedestrians approach each other on the sidewalk head-on, they sometimes engage in an awkward interaction, both deviating to the same side (repeatedly) to avoid a collision. This phenomenon is known as the sidewalk salsa. Although well known, no existing model describes how this "dance" arises. Such a model must capture the nuances of individual interactions between pedestrians that lead to the sidewalk salsa. Therefore, it could be helpful in the development of mobile robots that frequently participate in such individual interactions, for example, by informing robots in their decision-making. Here, I present a model based on the communication-enabled interaction framework capable of reproducing the sidewalk salsa. The model assumes pedestrians have a deterministic plan for their future movements and a probabilistic belief about the movements of another pedestrian. Combined, the…
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Taxonomy
TopicsUrban Design and Spatial Analysis
