Assessment of interaction quality in mobile robotic telepresence

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on spatial formations when interacting via mobile robotic telepresence (MRP) systems. Previous research has found that those who used a MRP system to make a remote visit (pilot users) tended to use different spatial formations from what is typical in humanhuman interaction. In this paper, we present the results of a study where a pilot user interacted with ten elderly via a MRP system. Intentional deviations from known accepted spatial formations were made in order to study their effect on interaction quality from the local user perspective. Using a retrospective interviews technique, the elderly commented on the interaction and confirmed the importance of adhering to acceptable spatial configurations. The results show that there is a mismatch between pilot user behaviour and local user preference and that it is important to evaluate a MRP system from two perspectives, the pilot user's and the local user's.

The effect of field of view on social interaction in mobile robotic telepresence systems

“…Drawing on experiences from [3], this increased the quality of interaction from the local user's perspective but additional studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. While the view provided can also be obtained by cropping the image, it is our belief that the bigger vertical view angle can also improve the driving experience.…”

“…Using mobile robotic telepresence (MRP) systems to interact may lead to undesired situations [3,4] which do not naturally occur in human-human interaction (HHI) and to situations which cannot occur when using static video mediated communication systems. For example, many of the alarm operators learning to maneuver a MRP system while interacting "looked-away" when discussing personal matters with an elderly local user 1 .…”

“…vis-a-vis position. Whether or not the look-away behaviour is acceptable among real elderly users was investigated in [3]. The elderly, who were guided around in a smart home, were observed to adjust their own position towards a vis-a-vis if the pilot user created the look-away configuration.…”

A Telepresence Wheelchair with 360-Degree Vision Using WebRTC

“…Telepresence systems involve a combination of mobile robotics, computer, and telecommunication networks, which enable users to be virtually present and to interact in a remote location between the remote user and the local participants. A large proportion of telepresence robots were developed through mobile robot platforms [7,8]. Apart from telepresence robots for meetings, telepresence robots for education have also been explored [9].…”

The Future of Robotic Telepresence

“…Dr. Kristoffersson's panel presentation will address (a) how difficulties in maneuvering the robot may result in spatial formations inappropriate for human-human interaction [7]; (b) how the elderly perceive, and adjust to, inappropriate spatial formations [6]; and/or (c) how rotating the camera in order to limit the horizontal field of view may result in the creation of more appropriate spatial formations [5]. Neustaedter has led efforts to support telepresence attendance at major ACM international conferences through telepresence robots [9].…”