Human Robot Interaction
Articles tagged with Human Robot Interaction
AI-embodied surgical robots can revolutionize surgery—if regulatory questions addressed
Experts warn that AI-enhanced surgical robotics could enable true personalized surgery and enhance surgical team performance. However, regulatory reforms are needed to address risks from adaptive systems and ensure patient benefits.
How to teach the same skill to different robots
Researchers develop Kinematic Intelligence framework to transfer skills between robots with different mechanical structures, enabling safe and predictable behavior. The approach reduces time and expertise needed to deploy robots in real-world settings.
These AI-powered guide dogs don’t just lead – they talk
Researchers at Binghamton University have created a talking robot guide dog system that determines ideal routes and guides visually impaired users safely to their destinations. The system offers real-time verbal feedback and provides situational awareness, significantly enhancing the user experience.
Wristband enables wearers to control a robotic hand with their own movements
Researchers at MIT have developed an ultrasound wristband that precisely tracks hand movements, allowing users to control a robotic hand or manipulate virtual objects. The device produces high-quality images of the wrist's muscles and tendons, which are then translated into specific hand positions, enabling precise movement control.
Robotics and automation research in poultry processing featured April 9
The Center for Scalable and Intelligent Automation in Poultry Processing will hold its first field day on April 9 to share research on developing new robotic technologies. Researchers will demonstrate tools for deboning, detecting foreign materials and pathogens, as well as using virtual reality to operate equipment remotely.
Advancing brain–computer interfaces for rehabilitation and assistive technologies
A novel AI-based framework, EDGCN, decodes dynamic variations in EEG patterns for better brain-computer interface technology. The model outperforms current state-of-the-art methods with high classification accuracies and decoding accuracy, enabling more seamless communication between the human brain and machines.
FAU lands $4.5M US Air Force T-1A Jayhawk flight simulator
Florida Atlantic University has received a $4.5 million grant from the US Air Force to establish a high-fidelity platform for autonomous decision-making and real-time sensor fusion research. The T-1A Jayhawk simulator will be used to study cognitive performance, situational awareness, stress and decision-making under pressure.
A more accurate measure of calories burned
A new machine learning model interprets leg motion as expended energy, providing a more accurate measure of calories burned. The device has been shown to have double the accuracy of commercial smartwatches and activity trackers.
Personal perception of body movement changes when using robotic prosthetics
Researchers found that participants initially overestimated the awkwardness of their gait but improved as they practiced using the prosthetic device. Despite significant performance gains, participants remained inaccurate in assessing their own body movement, focusing on torso position rather than prosthetic behavior.
A UC3M assistive robot learns to move its arms to set and clear the table by observing humans
Researchers at UC3M develop a new methodology for autonomous arm movement using observational learning and intercommunication between limbs. The ADAM robot can perform daily tasks such as setting and clearing the table, ironing, or tidying up the kitchen with fluid efficiency and natural movement.
Optimizing robotic joints
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new design method for optimizing rolling contact joints in robots, which can lead to better grippers, assistive devices, and more efficient robotic movement. The optimized joints performed spectacularly, correcting misalignment by 99% in knee-assist devices.
Vine-inspired robotic gripper gently lifts heavy and fragile objects
A new robotic design uses vine-like structures to lift and grasp a variety of objects, including humans, with a gentler approach. The robot can snake around obstacles, squeeze through tight spaces, and even secure itself in a closed loop to create a sling.
Can AI read humans’ minds? A new model shows it’s shockingly good at it
A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
Do children imitate communication manners of machines? Experiment on children's response to polite vs. commanding robot
In a study by SWPS University, researchers found that children interact with polite robots almost always respond politely. Younger children and girls are more likely to anthropomorphise the robot, suggesting social cues in interactions between children and robots are crucial for positive learning outcomes.
Hanyang University ERICA researcher reveals psychological pathways shaping behavior of customer witnessing robot mistreatment
A recent study reveals that the response to witnessing robot mistreatment depends on factors such as the robot's humanlike design and the observer's moral identity. Anthropomorphism influences empathy, encouraging customers to treat robots with dignity, while moral identity plays a crucial role in shaping behavioral contagion.
The soft tech that responds to your taps and squeezes
A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed a new technology called HydroHaptics that allows users to interact with soft objects in a meaningful way. The system uses a deformable surface to provide tactile feedback, enabling applications such as wearable tech, gaming, and medical simulation.
UN agency for digital technologies teams with will.i.am and Google to train young AI and robotics pioneers in Africa
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched an initiative to bring artificial intelligence and robotics training to students across Africa. The programme combines hands-on AI and robotics training for young people in underserved communities, with a focus on reaching girls and other underrepresented groups.
Humans sense a collaborating robot as part of their “extended” body
Researchers discovered that humans treat a robotic hand as part of their body schema when working together on tasks, particularly when the robot's gestures are synchronized with those of humans. The study paves the way for better-designed robots that can interact more intuitively with humans.
Could robots help kids conquer reading anxiety? New study from the Department of Computer Science at UChicago suggests so
A new study from the University of Chicago found that children experience less anxiety when reading aloud to a robot than to a human adult. The robot's calming influence helped children feel more comfortable making mistakes, creating a more encouraging environment for building their reading skills. While there were no substantial diffe...
Robot regret: New research helps robots make safer decisions around humans
Researchers developed algorithms that enable robots to create the best possible outcomes from their actions while minimizing uncertainty and risk. The new strategies allow robots to anticipate human actions, adapt to different scenarios, and prioritize human safety.
Erasing the seams between the virtual and physical worlds
Computer scientists at Princeton University are working on a system that pairs virtual reality with a physical robot, allowing users to seamlessly interact with the physical world. The technology enables tasks like selecting an object across the room or erasing physical objects from view, creating a more immersive experience.
A wearable robot that learns
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.
'One child called the robot "my little brother"': Can assistance tech become part of the family?
A study found that social robots like Luka can become deeply embedded in families over time, taking on emotional and symbolic roles. Children often reinterpret their relationship with the robot as they grow older, repurposing it as a companion or keepsake.
TUM creates seal of approval for robotics
Researchers at TUM create standardized procedure to compare industrial robots and assess their sensitivity, categorizing them into 'industrial robots,' 'cobots,' 'soft robots' and 'tactile robots.' This evaluation scheme has the potential to become an industrial testing standard, creating a seal of quality for the robotics market.
A fully soft and multipurpose robotic tactile sensor
A new type of intrinsically soft robotic sensors with quadruple sensing functionalities has been developed, enabling the perception of complex environments in both contact and non-contact manners. The sensors can be fully recycled for reuse, achieving superior cost-efficiency and eco-sustainability.
Robots could one day crawl across the moon. These undergrads are laying the groundwork
A team of undergrads at CU Boulder has created a digital twin for their robot, Armstrong, which is being used to train human operators on how to navigate the moon's surface. The study found that training in a digital environment resulted in faster task completion and reduced stress.
AI for Good Global Summit 2025 - Exclusive press tour (ITU/United Nations)
The AI for Good Global Summit 2025 will showcase AI innovations delivering better healthcare and education, reducing disaster risks, ensuring water and food security, and bolstering economic resilience. The event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), features talks from AI leaders and 100+ demos.
Single-material electronic skin gives robots the human touch
Scientists created a low-cost, durable, highly-sensitive robotic 'skin' that can detect various types of touch and pressure. The technology senses multiple physical inputs simultaneously, allowing robots to interact with their environment in a more human-like way.
SNU researchers develop world's first 3D microphone capable of position estimation with a single sensor
The research team developed a novel auditory technology that allows sound-based interaction between humans and robots, even in noisy environments. The technology facilitates sound-based recognition of human positions using only a single microphone.
Recognizing those who build a vibrant technical community
The Association for Computing Machinery has recognized five individuals with awards for their impactful service to the computing field. Manish Parashar received the ACM Distinguished Service Award for his leadership in furthering the transformative impact of computer science on science and engineering.
KAIST's pioneering VR precision technology & choreography tool receives spotlights at CHI 2025
Researchers developed T2IRay, a VR input method with precise object pointing, and ChoreoCraft, a virtual reality tool supporting choreographers' creativity. These technologies received Honorable Mention awards at CHI 2025 for their contributions to human-computer interaction.
Robotic hand moves objects with human-like grasps
A robotic hand developed at EPFL can pick up 24 different objects with human-like movements that emerge spontaneously due to compliant materials and structures. The device uses 'self-organized' grasps that mimic natural human grips with a high success rate, making it suitable for highly unpredictable environments.
Researchers develop AI motion 'translation' model for controlling different kinds of robots
A team of Brown University researchers has developed an artificial intelligence model called MotionGlot that can generate movement in robots and animated figures. The model enables users to type an action and generates accurate representations of that motion, translating across different robot and figure types.
Gender characteristics of service robots can influence customer decisions
Researchers found that service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power. Conversely, cute features in robot design can reduce the effect of portrayed gender on persuasiveness, making them effective for both male and female customers.
National Academy of Sciences elects Lydia Kavraki as a member
Kavraki's interdisciplinary research in robotics and biomedicine has been recognized for its impact on manufacturing, space exploration, and medicine. Her work bridges theory and application, with contributions to novel robot motion planning, personalized cancer treatments, and drug discovery.
Don’t resent your robot vacuum cleaner for its idle hours – work it harder!
Computer scientists at the University of Bath reprogrammed a Roomba to perform four new tasks, showcasing the untapped potential of domestic robots. The researchers identified over 100 ways to tap into the latent potential of robotic devices, proposing functions such as playing with pets, watering plants, and delivering breakfast in bed.
Robotic system zeroes in on objects most relevant for helping humans
A new robotic system uses cues in a scene to determine a human's objective and quickly identify relevant objects, enabling intuitive assistance in household, workplace, and warehouse settings. The approach achieved 90% accuracy in predicting human objectives and 96% accuracy in identifying relevant objects.
No “uncanny valley” effect in science-telling AI avatars
Researchers found that realistic AI avatars are rated more positively than cartoon-style ones for perceived competence, integrity, and benevolence. However, individual factors such as prior AI knowledge and trust in science moderate perceptions of trustworthiness.
Development of a human-collaborative robot for daily life support in cybernics space
The robot can switch between physical space and cyberspace modes using bioelectrical signals and gaze information, managing arm hand systems and IoT devices with high success rate. This technology aims to reduce nursing care costs and medical expenses by enhancing independence.
A lighter, smarter magnetoreceptive electronic skin
Researchers developed a lighter, smarter magnetoreceptive e-skin that tracks signal paths for applications like virtual reality and robotic systems. The new technology emulates the functioning of real skin and saves energy by using a single global sensor surface and central processing unit.
New Reichman University study: can a robotic dog choose our next leader?
A study from Reichman University's School of Communications found that a robotic dog can influence leadership dynamics between humans by displaying clear preferences for team members. This can lead to spontaneous emergence of leadership, with the favored participant taking charge without explicit guidance.
When robot becomes boss: Research on authority, obedience and relationships with machines
Researchers found that people demonstrate a significant level of obedience towards humanoid robots, but it is slightly lower than towards humans. The study also showed that work efficiency under robot supervision is lower, with participants completing tasks more slowly and less effectively.
Robotic helper making mistakes? Just nudge it in the right direction
A new framework allows users to correct a robot's actions in real-time using intuitive interactions, such as pointing or nudging the arm. The method achieves a success rate of 21% higher than an alternative approach, enabling more efficient and accurate task completion.
Feeling is believing: Bionic hand “knows” what it’s touching, grasps like a human
Johns Hopkins engineers developed a pioneering prosthetic hand that can grip and grasp everyday objects like a human, using a hybrid design that combines rigid and soft robotics. The system achieves 99.69% accuracy in handling objects of varying textures and materials.
UC3M patents a new design for a soft robotic joint that is more adaptable and robust
Researchers at UC3M developed a new soft joint model that enables versatility of movement, adaptability, and safety in robots. The asymmetrical triangular structure allows for greater bending angles with less force, providing operational protection and increased safety in human-robot interactions.
Navigating a safer path for autonomous vehicles
Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation
A cat-like robot mimicking bunting behavior to alleviate human tension
Researchers developed a robot that mimics the bunting motion of a cat rubbing its head against a person, which has been shown to have a healing effect on humans. The robot's variable stiffness mechanism was found to be most effective in reducing tension among participants.
Are we ready for the ethical challenges of AI and robots?
The Cambridge Handbook of the Law, Policy, and Regulation for Human-Robot Interaction addresses emerging issues in AI and robots, including privacy, safety, and regulation. The book offers valuable insights into ethical dilemmas and proposes solutions to balance enforceability and flexibility.
Diversity and inclusion accelerate the pace of innovation in robotics
A study published in Science Robotics found that diverse and inclusive teams in robotics research achieve higher motivation, commitment, and productivity. The team identified seven main benefits of workforce diversity and inclusive leadership, including increased innovation and reduced bias.
How to make robots more lifelike
Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.
NUS researchers innovate scalable robotic fibres with light-emitting, self-healing and magnetic properties
The NUS research team has developed flexible fibres with self-healing, light-emitting and magnetic properties. The Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fibre offers a more efficient, durable and versatile alternative to existing light-emitting fibres.
Training AI through human interactions instead of datasets
Researchers developed a platform to help AI learn complex tasks through nuance and real-time instruction, achieving up to a 30% increase in success rates. The GUIDE framework allows humans to provide ongoing, nuanced feedback, fostering incremental improvements and deeper understanding.
Synchronized movement between robots and humans builds trust, study finds
Researchers discovered that synchronized movement between humans and robots builds trust, which can improve the success of human-robot teams. The study found that users who reported lower trust in the robots mirrored their movements less, suggesting that co-movement could be used to detect problems with user trust.
Robotics and the sense of self in humans
A review paper explores how robots can aid in understanding the human sense of self, including simulating mind and brain processes and testing social capacities. Researchers aim to transfer some features of human self-awareness to robots, which could provide insights into its development and potential applications.
GIST scientists unveil strategies to make self-driven vehicles passenger-friendly
Researchers developed a multimodal dataset, TimelyTale, to gather passenger-specific sensor data for context-relevant explanations. The approach effectively identified the timing and frequency of passenger demands for explanations, enabling the creation of a machine-learning model to predict the best time for providing an explanation.
How virtual cows could help us improve human-robot interactions
Researchers used a virtual cow game to study human movement and navigation, developing a model that can simulate human behavior and predict choices. The study found that humans make decisions based on angular distance and previous choices, and the developed model could accurately mimic these patterns.
Listening skills bring human-like touch to robots
A new system dubbed SonicSense allows robots to interpret the world through acoustic vibrations, giving them a richer ability to 'feel' and understand objects. The system, featuring a robotic hand with contact microphones, can identify materials, shapes, and recognize objects in complex environments.
Versatile knee exo for safer lifting
A new knee exoskeleton has been developed to support the quadriceps muscles during lifting tasks, helping workers maintain better posture even when fatigued. The device, which uses a complex algorithm to predict assistance needs, enabled participants to lift faster and with improved posture.
Will humans accept robots that can lie? Scientists find it depends on the lie
A study of 498 participants found that humans disapprove of hidden state deceptions but approve of external state deceptions that protect someone's feelings. The researchers suggest regulation to protect users from harmful deceptions and recommend further experimentation with real-life reactions.