Robot Users Research Articles

Adoption of robotics in arthroplasty- a survey of perceptions, utilization and challenges with technology amongst Indian surgeons

IntroductionTotal joint replacement surgeries are standard procedures for managing end-stage hip or knee arthritis. Despite advances in technology, some patients experience dissatisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Robotic technology has evolved significantly and has shown promise in improving component positioning, alignment, and surgical outcomes. However, the widespread adoption of robotics in arthroplasty faces challenges such as high costs, a steep learning curve, and limited evidence on long-term outcomes. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study used a structured self-administered online survey to assess the perceptions of Indian arthroplasty surgeons regarding robotic technology. The survey included questions about the surgeon's background, experience, perceptions of robotic joint replacement, and limiting factors for robotic usage. A total of 417 responses were collected from practising arthroplasty surgeons. ResultsMost participants(78.1 %) expressed a willingness to adopt robotics in their arthroplasty practice if the cost of installation was reduced. Robotic users were more convinced about the benefits of robotics, including improved alignment, reduced pain, faster rehabilitation, and better outcomes. High-volume robotic surgeons demonstrated a greater belief in the broader potential of robotics beyond implant positioning and alignment. The major barriers to adoption were the high cost of installation and limited insurance coverage for robotic-assisted procedures. Lack of formal robotic training opportunities, resistance from corporate management, patient acceptance issues, and limited published literature supporting robotic advantages were also cited as limiting factors. ConclusionRobotic technology is increasingly being adopted in India for TKA. The main obstacle to widespread adoption is the high cost of installation. As technology costs decrease, we can expect a rise in the number of installations across the country. Advocacy from national orthopaedic organizations may be needed to address insurance reimbursement challenges. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the perceptions and challenges associated with the adoption of robotic technology in arthroplasty in India.

Acceptance of social robot and its challenges: From privacy calculus perspectives

The aim of this study is to examine human–robot interaction (HRI) from the perspective of security, privacy, as well as social and personal norms. This study also strives to investigate users' hedonic and utilitarian attitudes towards using social robots. A social robot is a physical humanoid robot that communicates and interacts with humans and other devices. Social robots follow social rules and behaviors which make them different from other kinds of robots. They often behave like social partners to humans and have features such as eye-gaze, speech recognition, auto-gestures, and so on. Social robots use different types of sensitive data from the users which could pose security challenges and privacy threats. Not many studies have dealt with human–robot interactions (HRI) from security, privacy, social norms, and personal norms perspectives. With the existing literature as well as privacy calculus, motivational theory, and theory of planned behavior (TPB), a model has been developed conceptually, which was then validated using a sample of 403 users contemplating using social robots in the coming days. The study found that both users' hedonic and utilitarian attitudes impact significantly and positively their usage of social robots.

A projective approach to understanding the Generation Z’s experience with service robots in restaurants

研究目的本研究调查了 Z 世代对餐厅服务机器人的看法和体验。研究设计/方法/体验建立在服务场景理论框架之上, 并遵循 Zaltman 隐喻启发技术, 对 Z 世代消费者进行了 34 次深入访谈。研究发现结果表明, Z 世代消费者对在餐厅使用服务机器人持普遍积极态度。 研究参与者还指出了可以改进的方面：服务机器人的外观设计和功能, 以及促进机器人服务过程的人工服务。实际意义这项研究深入了解了年轻的消费力量如何看待和期望在餐厅使用的创新服务机器人。 研究结果为行业从业者提供了及时的指导方针, 以改善机器人服务在餐厅的使用, 以满足 Z 世代的新兴消费群体。研究原创性/价值当前的研究通过将这一长期存在的理论扩展到新兴的机器人服务环境以更新发现, 从而为服务景观文献做出贡献。 特别是, 该研究侧重于 Z 世代的年轻消费者, 阐明了世代队列研究。

How does the usage of robots in hotels affect employees’ turnover intention? A double-edged sword study

The purpose of this paper is to examine the double-edged sword effect of the usage of robots on hotel employees' turnover intention. We also examined the mediating role of work autonomy and job insecurity, as well as the moderating role of conscientiousness. Based on conservation of resources theory, we used a time-lagged method to select a sample of 370 employees from 18 hotels in China. We performed statistical analyses using SPSS 23.0 and Mplus 7.4. We found that the usage of robots reduces turnover intention through work autonomy and increases turnover intention through job insecurity. Conscientiousness moderated the effects of the usage of robots on work autonomy and job insecurity, as well as the indirect effects of work autonomy and job insecurity. Our study enriches the research on the usage of robots in the hospitality industry and expands scholars' exploration of conscientiousness. Our findings change previous scholars' perceptions of employee’ conscientiousness. It is crucial for hotel managers to acknowledge that the usage of robots is a double-edged sword. Hotel managers need to recruit employees who use robots from a complementary perspective and do not always have to recruit employees with high conscientiousness.

Heterogeneous effects of robots on employment in agriculture, industry, and services sectors

This paper investigates how the impact of robots on employment differs across various sectors. Based on country-level data, our analysis reveals a U-shaped relationship between overall employment and robot usage. However, we observe different trends in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors. We explore how the relationship between robot usage and employment evolves with increasing robot adoption and how these patterns vary across sectors. Additionally, our findings suggest that productivity serves as both a moderator and mediator in the relationship between employment and robot usage. We evaluate how the effect of robots on employment differs in countries with varying levels of productivity.

Characterization of the robotic surgery experience in minimally invasive surgery fellowships from 2010 to 2021.

Robotic surgery has experienced exponential growth in the past decade. Few studies have evaluated the impact of robotics within minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship training programs. The purpose of our study was to examine and characterize recent trends in robotic surgery within MIS fellowship training programs. De-identified case log data from the Fellowship Council from 2010 to 2021 were evaluated. Percentage of operations performed with robot assistance over time was assessed and compared to the laparoscopic and open experience. Case logs were further stratified by operative category (e.g., bariatric, hernia, foregut), and robotic experience over time was evaluated for each category. Programs were stratified by percent robot use and the experience over time within each quartile was evaluated. MIS fellowship training programs with a robotic platform increased from 45.1% (51/113) to 90.4% (123/136) over the study period. The percentage of robotic cases increased from 2.0% (1127/56,033) to 23.2% (16,139/69,496) while laparoscopic cases decreased from 80.2% (44,954/56,033) to 65.3% (45,356/69,496). Hernia and colorectal case categories had the largest increase in robot usage [hernia: 0.7% (62/8614) to 38.4% (4661/12,135); colorectal 4.2% (116/2747) to 31.8% (666/2094)]. When stratified by percentage of robot utilization, current (2020-2021) programs in the > 95th percentile performed 21.8% (3523/16,139) of robotic operations and programs in the > 50th percentile performed 90.0% (14,533/16,139) of all robotic cases. The median number of robotic cases performed per MIS fellow significantly increased from 2010 to 2021 [0 (0-6) to 72.5 (17.8-171.5), p < 0.01]. Robotic use in MIS fellowship training programs has grown substantially in the past decade, but the laparoscopic and open experience remains robust. There remains an imbalance with the top 50% of busiest robotic programs performing over 90% of robot trainee cases. The experience in MIS programs varies widely and trainees should examine program case logs closely to confirm parallel interests.

The Development of the Wearable Robot Perception (WeaR-P) Questionnaire

Advancing wearable worker assistive technology, such as exoskeletons, has been increasingly used in broad workplaces due to its potential to improve worker health and safety and increase productivity, especially among workers with limited or declined physical capabilities. However, there is limited understanding of the current and potential users’ perceptions of this rapidly advancing technology and how those positive or negative perceptions may impact their interaction with wearable robots. Researchers have conducted a literature review of studies examining robot users’ attitudes and technology acceptance to address this gap. Based on the review, we developed a new questionnaire that can be used to assess multi-dimensional user perception of wearable robots. This questionnaire can help provide valuable insights into how individuals perceive emerging wearable robots and the impacts of user perception on their behaviors and attitudes.

Robotics in Food Manufacturing Industry in the Industry 4.0 Era

Robotics is used in food manufacturing in multiple processes. Prominent existing applications are: preparation of soil, seeding, water sprinklers, harvest controlling, cutting the harvests, food extractions, processing, packaging, loading/unloading, food warehouse operations, and food retail operations. Robots enhancements in Industry 4.0 framework have enabled cognitive and collaboration capabilities related to dynamics, kinematics, self-diagnostics, and self-control. Robots can identify and change their robotic hands as per process requirement. Robotics in food manufacturing is used to improve food quality and hygiene, increasing quality and its consistency, improving process performance, improving production rate and productivity, production reconfigurability, improving supply chain resilience and responsiveness, improving food traceability, reducing food loss and wastage, and improving workplace safety. Industry 4.0 allows robotic cyber physical systems (RCPS), HMI interfacing with robots through augmented reality thus ensuring remote real time precision monitoring and control of field robots. Robots with attached cameras with machine learning for image visualization analytics can ensure quality assurance and control of food products during all the stages of the food manufacturing logistics. The key drivers for adopting robotics in food manufacturing are cloud manufacturing, Internet of Things (attached with robotic controller cards), virtual reality simulations, augmented reality for HMI controls, additive manufacturing in food processing, integration of Industry 4.0 systems (IoT with blockchains, edge computing, big data analytics, and machine learning), and autonomous automation software. Robotics in food manufacturing using Industry 4.0 capabilities is a positive change. However, there are ethical and financial challenges. Increased usage of robotics can affect employment of food harvesting and manufacturing workers in developed as well as developing economies. Further, economics of using robotics in food manufacturing is not yet justified in developing nations given the high initial costs and prolonged time to break even. Overall, robotics in food manufacturing using Industry 4.0 has many technical and production advantages but ethical and financial viability is an ongoing research domain.

The robot that adapts too much? An experimental study on users' perceptions of social robots’ behavioral and persona changes between interactions with different users

Similar to interactions between humans, social robots are able to adapt to different people by altering their behavior. However, in contrast to humans, robots' adaptations allow for more extensive configurations, for example switching their persona to the most fitting one for the next user. Because people normally do not experience such fast and comprehensive adaptations of their interaction partners, such persona adaptations might cause unintended problems in multi-user scenarios if they are witnessed by a robot's users. Referring to perspective-taking and self-monitoring theory this laboratory study experimentally tested the effects of interpersonal adaptations on users' evaluations of robots and their interaction duration by manipulating the degree of experienced adaptation (none, behavioral, persona) in a between-subjects design. Empirical data from N = 115 participants contradict the assumption that experienced persona adaptations of social robots do necessarily impair human-robot interactions. This is shown with regard to both, users' time spent on the interaction and the evaluation of the respective robot. Furthermore, no benefits of behavioral adaptations could be observed, that were expected to unfold since they should not conflict with users' perceived understanding of the robot. In sum, both kinds of robotic adaptations were perceived similarly to the non-adapting robot.

Easy to go and innovative validation process using the spot weld inspection system PHAsis and related software

In the industry 4.0 the need for a cost-saving and efficient production process is of high significance. This includes every area of the production processes and leads to appropriate testing procedures by means of the quality management. A combination of ultrasonic inspection devices and software tools for result post processing reduces the need of several cost-intensive validation circles with destructive testing to a very low level. This can be shown for example with the imaging phased array spot weld inspection system PHAsis in combination with a software app for post processing. This is including the software part for the data and result management as well as a device software for the ultrasonic inspection of the spot welds. In combination with the usage of an automation interface for robotic usage, even more cost reduction is possible. Several validation processes on typical resistance spot welding applications with plate pairings of two or three plates (aluminium as well as steel combinations) by the use of PHAsis and the connected PostProcessor will be exemplified. The general procedure of the validation process will be accentuated step by step. Therefore, the original data of phased array testing and a comparative method in the shape of a destructive testing (hammer &amp; chisel test or horizontal respectively vertical cross section) will be presented. Furthermore, the steps of the post processing procedure to define the ultrasound system parameters for a best fit will be described. During these steps, the influence of the different sensitivity and system parameters on the spot weld size will be explained. Also, the measurement uncertainties given by the destructive testing that have an influence to the comparation with ultrasonic testing in general will be addressed. The efficiency of the post processing software tool due to reaching a high match between PHAsis and the comparative destructive method will be illustrated.

The perspective of STEM education through the usage of Robotics

Educational robotics is a transformative tool for learning, computational thinking, coding, and engineering, all of which are increasingly seen as essential components of STEM curriculum in schools. Although robots in education for school-age children has been around since the late 1900s and is becoming more popular among young pupils, it is not fully incorporated as a technology learning aid in traditional classroom settings. Numerous studies have recommended numerous hands-on robotics activities based on constructivist ideas, promoting the formation of knowledge based on reality for scientific and non-scientific stakeholders. Robotics may become an important focal point within technology provision, which is an important underlying attribute for the seminal development of computational thinking (CT). Despite the potential value of CT in strengthening a person's problem-solving skills, ways for improving this capacity through hands-on robotics activities are little unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the relevance of incorporating educational robotics as a technological learning tool into regular curriculum for students and to show how it helps students prepare for the future.

Floor-Mounted Robotic Pedicle Screw Placement in Lumbar Spine Surgery: An Analysis of 1,050 Screws.

To analyze the usage of floor-mounted robot in minimally invasive lumbar fusion. Patients who underwent minimally invasive lumbar fusion for degenerative pathology using floor-mounted robot (ExcelsiusGPS) were included. Pedicle screw accuracy, proximal level violation rate, pedicle screw size, screw-related complications, and robot abandonment rate were analyzed. Two hundred twenty-nine patients were included. Most surgeries were primary single-level fusion. Sixty-five percent of surgeries had intraoperative computed tomography (CT) workflow, 35% had preoperative CT workflow. Sixty-six percent were transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, 16% were lateral, 8% were anterior, and 10% were a combined approach. A total of 1,050 screws were placed with robotic assistance (85% in prone position, 15% in lateral position). Postoperative CT scan was available for 80 patients (419 screws). Overall pedicle screw accuracy rate was 96.4% (prone, 96.7%; lateral, 94.2%; primary, 96.7%; revision, 95.3%). Overall poor screw placement rate was 2.8% (prone, 2.7%; lateral, 3.8%; primary, 2.7%; revision, 3.5%). Overall proximal facet and endplate violation rates were 0.4% and 0.9%. Average diameter and length of pedicle screws were 7.1 mm and 47.7 mm. Screw revision had to be done for 1 screw (0.1%). Use of the robot had to be aborted in 2 cases (0.8%). Usage of floor-mounted robotics for the placement of lumbar pedicle screws leads to excellent accuracy, large screw size, and negligible screw-related complications. It does so for screw placement in prone/lateral position and primary/revision surgery alike with negligible robot abandonment rates.

Predicting the future of the foodservice industry: A robot-based economy perspective

This paper ascertains the perceptions of Turkish foodservice industry experts (i.e., executive chefs, business owners, and academicians) to predict the future of the foodservice industry in the robot-based economy. A content analysis was performed by drawing on the qualitative data that occurred through 18 semi-structured interviews. The findings illustrate the present and anticipated status of the usage of robots and AI and the possible impact of robotization and AI on employment in the foodservice industry based on its’ experts’ perspective. It reveals a futurity glimb for the foodservice industry in the robot-based economy era. Several theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Stability Control of Humanoid Biped Robot using PID Controllers

As technology has advanced, the usage of robots has become a major worldwide issue, especially for robots that interact with people. Humanoid biped robots have the potential to function as people's helpers, capable of assisting society and replacing humans in various or dangerous tasks. However, despite advances in robotic stability control, robust control for a broad variety of applications remains a difficulty. The purpose of this research is to look at optimum control techniques for stability control in humanoid biped robots in order to obtain superior stability. To regulate the robot's stability, several control techniques such as Proportional-Integral-Derivative control, Proportional-Integral control, Proportional-Derivative control, and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) are utilised. Before implementing these control techniques, the humanoid biped robot's open loop system is evaluated to determine its stability response. To investigate the system response of robot stability control, the MATLAB programme is used.

Implementation of the Dexter Robot System in Daily Practice - First Experiences in Gall Bladder and Hernia Surgery

Abstract Background The use of surgical robots is increasing in the field of visceral surgery. Recently, new robotic platforms have entered the market. Dexter Robotic System is a computer-assisted surgical device with two working arms and one camera arm. Aims The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation this innovative robotic system in general visceral surgery. Methods This prospective study investigated the efficiency in elective cholecystectomy and inguinal hernia surgery of the Dexter robot. The Primary endpoints was safety, defined by device related adverse events. Secondary endpoints were performance of the Robotic System (defined as completion of the robotic procedure), operative parameters and surgeons’ comfort. Patients were consented for participation and the study was approved by the Ethical committee. Results The first 25 consecutive Dexter robotic assisted elective procedures (14 hernia, 11 cholecystectomies) were included. No device related adverse events occurred. 24 operations could be completed robotically. One hernia procedure was converted to a laparoscopic operation, due to a software failure of the Dexter-system. The median robot usage time were 55 minutes (IQR 41-5-79.5) for cholecystectomy and 95 minutes (IQR 90.5-115.25) in hernia, while the operating time amounted 99 minutes (IQR 84-133) in cholecystectomy and 131 minutes (IQR 124.75-153.75) in hernia. The median docking time of the Dexter robot was 7 minutes (IQR 7-10.5). Operators perceived comfort as high, median 4 (IQR 4-10.5, Discomfort Score range 4-16) and subjective stress levels as low, median 25 (IQR 10-35, Mental Effort Questionnaire range 10-60). (This study is ongoing, we expect to include 50 cases until June 2023). Conclusions This world's first clinical study of the Dexter Robotic System in general visceral surgery demonstrates a safe and efficient implementation of this innovative robotic system in clinical practice. Further studies will refine the effective applications of the Dexter Robotic System and its advantages over conventional surgical techniques.

Digital humanism and artificial intelligence: the role of emotions beyond the human–machine interaction in Society 5.0

PurposeBy considering the challenges of Industry 5.0, the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of heuristic factors in the technical qualities and emotions of Millennials and Generation Z (Gen Z) to assess their acceptance of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) devices such as robots. For this purpose, this paper uses the innovative AI device use acceptance (AIDUA) framework. This research evaluates the implications of human–machine interactions for the usage of robots and AI in daily life.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed AIDUA model is tested using data collected from Millennials and Gen Z. First, a principal components analysis technique is used to validate each measure. Second, a multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS 26.0 is conducted.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that human–machine interaction is a part of a complex process in which there are different elements determining individuals’ acceptance of the use of AI devices during daily life. This paper outlines both the theoretical and practical implications. This study enriches the AIDUA model by connoting it with features and emotions belonging to the younger generation. Additionally, this research offers technology companies suggestions for addressing future efforts on technical performance and on the alignments of the expectations of young people in Society 5.0.Originality/valueFirst, the originality of this paper lies in highlighting the binary role of emotions in triggering the use of AI devices and robots. Second, the focus on Millennials and Gen Z offers a new lens for the interpretation of longitudinal phenomena in the adoption of AI. Finally, the findings of this paper contribute to the development of a new perspective regarding a “heartly collaborative” approach in Society 5.0.

EVOCE Robot: Developing Prototypes and Teaching Young Learners English Vocabulary

This study aimed to find out the prototype of an EVOCE robot that gave impact of students’ English vocabularies enhancement. In this study, the authors used two types of research design, namely, prototyping method and experiment research design. The mixed method is applied in this research qualitatively and quantitatively. Both vocabulary tests and observational methods of prototyping data collection were employed. The robot prototype used in the class as a tool to examine how was the effect of this media helped young learners in acquiring basic English vocabulary. The prototype has been through the test and the result showed that it suited with the needs for young learners. Nonprobability sampling was the technique used. A total of 40 students from two classes made up the research sample. The vocabulary score achievement pre and post test using EVOCE robot was compared with data analysis and t-test. The findings of value of t-stat &gt; t-table at the significant level of 5% (1,679 &gt; 1,328) meaning that the robot helped students become better acquisition in getting new vocabulary and influenced their level of vocabulary score. As the result, this research therefore has consequences for the teacher’s understanding that the usage of robots can both increase students’ vocabulary and also have an impact on their level of English proficiency.

외식산업 서비스 로봇의 지각된 품질, 기술수용, 소비행동의도 간의 구조적 관계

The purpose of this study was to develop the model that would demonstrate a structural relationship between perceived quality, technology acceptance, and consumption behavioral intention of service robots in the food service industry. This study also aimed to verify the mediating effect of usefulness and ease of use on the relationship between perceived quality and consumption behavioral intention in service robots. The study subjects were males and females who had experience using food service industry service robots in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The results were as follows. First, the product quality, as perceived by service robot users, had an impact on usefulness. Secondly, the system quality by service robot users did not have an impact on its usefulness. Third, the product and system quality by service robot users had an impact on the ease of use. Fourth, the product quality, usefulness and ease of use by service robot users had an effect on consumption behavioral intention. Fifth, it was found that the usefulness and ease of use had mediating effects on the relationship between product quality and consumption behavioral intention of service robots in the food service industry. In the future, if reliable and technologically advanced service robots appear, consumers’ perception of eating out is expected to change. In other words, in order for service robot technology to become familiar to consumers, it should be able to provide curiosity and pleasure, along with ease of operation, during the process of operating service robots.

Acceptance of service robots: a meta-analysis in the hospitality and tourism industry

ABSTRACT Robot services have become an essential competitive differentiator in the hospitality and tourism industry. Seminal studies indicate the need for more profound knowledge about the factors that can increase the acceptance of service robots. This paper investigates the relationship between informational cues and acceptance of service robots through a meta-analysis. Our study also analyzes the acceptance of service robots through contextual characteristics moderators. The results showed that perceived robot trust influences the relationship between informational cues (anthropomorphism and social influence) and acceptance of service robots. By analyzing previous studies, our framework demonstrates that acceptance of service robots has increased more after the COVID pandemic than before the COVID pandemic. Furthermore, the relationship between attitude toward robots and robot usage intention tends to be greater in humanoid service robots (than social robots) and analytical intelligence (than mechanical intelligence).

A Systematic Review of the Challenges in Teaching Programming for Primary Schools’ Students

Programming and coding in primary education become solicitude globally today. Governments all over the world agreed on the importance of education towards workforce empowerment in the future for the country's development. As primary education is the foundation to produce future human resources, the government decided to make curricular changes starting with young learners. The schooling system tries to adapt to the rapid changes caused by The Industrial Revolution 4.0 by introducing programming education at an early stage. The increased usage of automation, robots, and artificial intelligence in the industry nowadays makes people aware of the importance of mastering programming and coding skill to survive in their future careers. Through the learning process of programming and coding, young students start to be exposed to computational skill which involves critical thinking and imagining creatively. Programming and coding education promote computational thinking for young learners which includes problem-solving skills like deconstruction, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithms. This paper examines research exploring the challenges faced by teachers, students, facilities, parents, and the government in the implementation of programming education in primary schools. The exploration was done through a systematic literature review of 20 articles published between the years 2018 and 2022. The selection of 20 articles required is based on the PRISMA guidelines to select papers. The findings provide insight into what has and has not been studied across a range of literature and the alignment with the broader context of programming education at the primary level. From this study, it can be identified that teachers’ competency, teachers’ digital pedagogy, students’ readiness, school facilities, parents’ support, and government educational planning play a very important role to make programming education for young learners successful.