Using signs for configuring work tasks of service robots

Authors: Heikkilä, Mikko; Terho, Sami; Hirsi, Minna; Halme, Aarne; Forsman, Pekka

Source: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 33, Number 4, 2006 , pp. 308-311(4)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $38.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Purpose - This paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot. Design/methodology/approach - The signs are used to control a work task of a mobile service robot. Tests are done in real outdoor and non-structured environments with the WorkPartner robot. In the test scenario the signs are used to define the boundaries of a working area. Two different kinds of signs are tested: passive and active. Findings - The signs can be used as a simple way to define the parameters of a work task. One of the advantages is usability. For example, the signs can just be carried to the working area and no other actions are needed. Research limitations/implications - The tests focused only on bounding the working area with signs. Using the signs for pointing a direction, marking a route, or defining a location of a single target will be tested in the future. Practical implications - Signs are an easy way to configure work tasks of service robots. The concept can be applied to various kinds of mobile robots. Originality/value - The signs are introduced as an alternative or complementary tool for passing information of the task plan of a work task from the human operator to the service robot.

Keywords: Planning; Robotics; User interfaces

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01439910610667944

Publication date: 2006-07-01