Redefining Human–Robot Symbiosis: a bio-inspired approach to collaborative assembly

Abstract

The advent of collaborative robotics has enabled humans and robots to collaborate closely in carrying out manufacturing activities. Together, they can leverage their unique strengths and capabilities to tackle complex tasks. This partnership between humans and robots is often described as symbiotic in literature, but this concept is frequently oversimplified to a simple exchange of mutual benefits. In reality, symbiosis encompasses a wide range of interactions, some of which may be beneficial while others might be detrimental.To effectively manage Human–Robot Symbiosis, it is important to understand its underlying principles. In this view, this paper has two main objectives: (i) to reinterpret collaborative tasks in assembly processes based on the characteristics of symbiotic relationships; and (ii) to propose a new approach for evaluating assembly tasks inspired by the bio-inspired features of collaborative human–robot systems.Overall, the results of this study represent a step towards achieving a deeper understanding of the principles of Human–Robot Symbiosis, useful to develop effective solutions for enhancing collaboration between humans and robots in assembly processes.