Challenges for service robots operating in non-industrial environments

Abstract

The concept of service robotics has grown considerably over the past two decades with many robots being used in non-industrial environments such homes, hospitals and airports. Many of these environments were never designed to have mobile service robots deployed within them. This paper describes some of the challenges that are faced and need to be overcome in order for robots to successfully work in nonindustrial environments (specifically homes and hospitals). These include the problems caused by an environment not having been designed to be robot-friendly, the unstructured nature of the environment and finally the challenges presented by certain user populations who may have difficulties interacting with a robot.

Design principles for robot inclusive spaces: A case study with Roomba

“…Kawamura et al puts forward a design philosophy for service robots that emphasizes compromise and practicality in design [15]. Although Soroka et al have identified some of these challenges [16], systemic design principles that aim for seamless integration of service robots and humans in everyday environments still have yet to be discussed.…”