Using Virtual Reality for scenario-based Responsible Research and Innovation approach for Human Robot Co-production

Abstract

This paper proposes to use Virtual Reality scenarios to explore the reaction of stakeholders within an innovation process in the context of the introduction of robots working in close collaboration with users. The goal is to design the system upfront in such a way, that it is not perceived as a threat to the worker or his/her job. Within the responsible research and innovation approach, the introduction of new technology needs to be accompanied by a careful investigation of the thoughts and feelings of all stakeholders. Especially workers who are currently not working with robots but their workspace is currently undergoing an Industry 4.0 driven transformation, experience fear, that this new technology will make their jobs redundant. On the other hand, it can be observed, that successful robot interaction processes, on the one hand, increase the overall productivity, but also can enhance human well-being. The feeling of "teamwork" with the artificial intelligence entity can develop to be equally positive and motivating. To be able to design future workspaces which will result in a "teamwork" perception instead of the "fear" perception, the use of VR can be applied.

Towards next generation digital twin in robotics: Trends, scopes, challenges, and future

“…It was noticeable that, trends in RDT-aided HRI autonomy increased around 2019, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic [47] , [61] . Other applications included HRI workspace design and optimization using VR [63] , robotic construction supervision in MR [64] , and DT-integrated energy-efficient smart manufacturing [65] .…”