Use Of Humanoids Research Articles

Research to Determine the Potential Use of Humanoid (Anthropomorphic) Robots in Accommodation Facilities

Study participants evaluated the use of robots in general, and specifically the use of humanoid robots for 36 different job positions in accommodation establishments in Turkey. This exploratory study aimed to determine the positions in which it will be easier to adopt the use of robots in accommodation businesses. It also examined the role of the participant's gender and age regarding the potential use of robots. An online survey was used to collect data, and the data was obtained from 407 participants. Contrary to the theory of anthropomorphism, but consistent with the Uncanny Valley and social comparison theories, the results of the study showed that the participants were adamant that it was not appropriate to use robots for 25 of the job positions out of 36. Humanoid robots were considered appropriate for positions that provide cleaning services, perform takeaway and delivery services, or where customers do not interact one-on-one during their stay. It was concluded that young people evaluated the use of robots in the sector more positively than older people. Similarly, women tended to make more positive evaluations than men. The original value of this research is based on the lack of studies evaluating the potential of using robots for positions in accommodation establishments.

Landmarking for Improved Digital Product Creation

Sampling is a critical step in the concept-to-style workflow for digitally created products. Virtual environments allow sampling without the costs associated with physical prototyping However, current practice often still requires physical prototyping. Here we consider how landmarking contributes to the need for iterative sampling, thereby inhibiting a fully digital product creation DPC process. In the process, the opportunity for error within traditional anthropometric study is highlighted and a path toward global standardized landmarking and measuring (L&M) is presented. Landmarks denote anatomical reference points common to all humans. They are critical to every stage of DPC: measuring, product development, virtual sampling, rigging, size selection, and try-on. Cross-platform use of humanoids (models of humans) and body-worn products will introduce errors if landmarking protocols do not align across three-dimensional body processing (3DBP) technologies. Here we discuss how to avoid these discrepancies by combining Clone Block™ theory with current ISO standards. Further study should validate the findings here for the implementation of global standardized L&M to facilitate 3D technology interoperability, fully DPC, and greater adoption of 3D technologies for improved fit of body-worn products.

Ethical implications of emotional and psychologic ties on human-robot interaction (HRI)-mediated learning

This mini script describes the need to expand knowledge in this regard and improve the potential of future applications derived from the use of humanoids as educational assistants with children Understanding the importance of highlighting the ethic reflection in this disciplinary field The text seeks to strengthen and encourage other researchers to join in the construction of an international research program that contributes to the ethical challenges involved in the development of HRI To this end an updated reflection on post humanities philosophy of science and technology among other trans disciplinary topics is made to propose an ethical framework in these practices and scientific advances of robotics

An approach to optimize the path of humanoid robots using a hybridized regression-adaptive particle swarm optimization-adaptive ant colony optimization method

PurposeWith enhanced use of humanoids in demanding sectors of industrial automation and smart manufacturing, navigation and path planning of humanoid forms have become the centre of attraction for robotics practitioners. This paper aims to focus on the development and implementation of a hybrid intelligent methodology to generate an optimal path for humanoid robots using regression analysis, adaptive particle swarm optimization and adaptive ant colony optimization techniques.Design/methodology/approachSensory information regarding obstacle distances are fed to the regression controller, and an interim turning angle is obtained as the initial output. Adaptive particle swarm optimization technique is used to tune the governing parameter of adaptive ant colony optimization technique. The final output is generated by using the initial output of regression controller and tuned parameter from adaptive particle swarm optimization as inputs to the adaptive ant colony optimization technique along with other regular inputs. The final turning angle calculated from the hybrid controller is subsequently used by the humanoids to negotiate with obstacles present in the environment.FindingsAs the current investigation deals with the navigational analysis of single as well as multiple humanoids, a Petri-Net model has been combined with the proposed hybrid controller to avoid inter-collision that may happen in navigation of multiple humanoids. The hybridized controller is tested in simulation and experimental platforms with comparison of navigational parameters. The results obtained from both the platforms are found to be in coherence with each other. Finally, an assessment of the current technique with other existing navigational model reveals a performance improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed hybrid controller provides satisfactory results for navigational analysis of single as well as multiple humanoids. However, the developed hybrid scheme can also be attempted with use of other smart algorithms.Practical implicationsHumanoid navigation is the present talk of the town, as its use is widespread to multiple sectors such as industrial automation, medical assistance, manufacturing sectors and entertainment. It can also be used in space and defence applications.Social implicationsThis approach towards path planning can be very much helpful for navigating multiple forms of humanoids to assist in daily life needs of older adults and can also be a friendly tool for children.Originality/valueHumanoid navigation has always been tricky and challenging. In the current work, a novel hybrid methodology of navigational analysis has been proposed for single and multiple humanoid robots, which is rarely reported in the existing literature. The developed navigational plan is verified through testing in simulation and experimental platforms. The results obtained from both the platforms are assessed against each other in terms of selected navigational parameters with observation of minimal error limits and close agreement. Finally, the proposed hybrid scheme is also evaluated against other existing navigational models, and significant performance improvements have been observed.

Sustainable Adaptation of New Technology—The Case of Humanoids Used for the Care of Older Adults

Ageing population poses new social, technological, and research challenges. It is anticipated that, by 2080, Poland will be in the group of counties that will have one-third of their population aged over 65. Different strategies aim at dealing with the mentioned demographic challenge, including widespread use of humanoids in the care of older people. As this research was the first of its kind in Poland, this article aims to identify the perceived key benefits that could shape positive attitudes toward humanoids in the care of older people. Based on the specific attributes of a humanoid technology, the model hypothesizes that an attitude toward a technology can be directly shaped by four kinds of perceived benefits, namely an impact on the quality of life, functional aspects, ethical problems, and a social impact. Also, a theoretical model assumes that a user attitude toward a humanoid technology is predicted to have an indirect influence on the future intended use. A survey method was used to collect research data. An electronic questionnaire was used to conduct confidential interviews of Polish citizens. All in all, 643 questionnaires were filled. Results received using structural equation modeling confirmed that the most important factor shaping human attitudes was a perceived social impact received from the use of humanoids in the care of the lonely people and making life more enjoyable for the elderly. Results also confirmed that men had a more positive attitude toward humanoids than women. Among different age groups of respondents, people between 26–40 years of age had the most relatively positive attitude toward humanoids.

Trust in Technology in Case of Humanoids Used for the Care for the Senior Persons

Abstract The dynamics of demographic changes manifested in the processes of an ageing population affect Poland.In response to the situation, gerontechnology is emerging as an interdisciplinary field of scientific research in which technology is directed towards the aspirations and opportunities of the older persons. One of the examples of technologies that will be able to support the ageing population in the future are humanoids, that is, robots resembling a human being and equipped with artificial intelligence. The purpose of this article was to examine relationships between trust in the use of humanoids to care for the older people, the usefulness of technology, the ease of use, perceived threats, general trust and trust in science and technology. A survey method was used to collect data for research. The electronic questionnaire survey was disseminated among members of the Polish society. 643 filled questionnaires were received.

Autonomous SLAM based humanoid navigation in a cluttered environment while transporting a heavy load

Although in recent years there have been quite a few studies aimed at the navigation of robots in cluttered environments, few of these have addressed the problem of robots navigating while moving a large or heavy objects. This is especially useful when transporting loads with variable weights and shapes without having to change the robot hardware. Inspired by the wide use of makeshift carts by humans, we tackle, in this work, the problem of a humanoid robot navigating in a cluttered environment while displacing a heavy load that lies on a cart-like object. We present a complete navigation scheme, from the incremental construction of a map of the environment and the computation of collision-free trajectories to the control to execute these trajectories. Our contributions are as follows: (1) a whole-body control scheme that makes the humanoid use its hands and arms to control the motions of the cart–load system (e.g. tight turns) (2) a sensorless approach to automatically select the appropriate primitive set according to the load weight (3) a motion planning algorithm to find an obstacle-free trajectory using the appropriate primitive set and the constructed map of the environment as input (4) an efficient filtering technique to remove the cart from the field of view of the robot while improving the general performances of the SLAM algorithms and (5) a continuous and consistent odometry data formed by fusing the visual and the robot odometry information. We present experiments conducted on a real Nao robot, equipped with an RGB-D sensor mounted on its head, pushing a cart with different loads. Our experiments show that the payload can be significantly increased without changing the robot’s main hardware, and therefore enacting the capacity of humanoid robots in real-life situations.

Roboethics - Making Sense of Ethical Conundrums

Advances in technology has provided additional benefits to medical treatment. The use of humanoids has been proposed in rehabilitative treatment of children with brain impairment due to autistic-spectrum disorder. However, ethical questions have been raised with regard to the appropriateness of this approach, especially in view of children being considered as vulnerable subjects. This paper suggests that ethical principles need to be referred to in order for this treatment modality is to be considered acceptable.

Humanizing Humanoids Towards Social Inclusiveness for Children with Autism

Assistive technologies in the form of humanoids have gained mileage in the area of rehabilitation, in particular, for children with various mental disabilities such as autism. The extent of the use of humanoids in augmenting these children are numerous yet, the social inclusiveness in the form of religious values, spirituality and ethics have hardly been explored. In these new and ambiguous dimensions, evidences of inclusiveness through repeated observations and interviews as well as secondary data analyses formed the hybrid methodology for this research project. The findings revealed a positive influence by humanizing humanoids in the social skill augmentation, religious and spiritual enhance of the scope. In attempting such a sensitive project, proper ethical procedures have to be in place because of the focus group. The implications of the findings are important in drafting relevant policies not just in educating the children, but to improve their quality of life, enriching the family well-being and enhance societal awareness for social inclusiveness.

Religious Perceptions on Use of Humanoid for Spiritual Augmentation of Children With Autism

In the study of theology relevant to contemporary advances in science and technology, the underpinnings with regards to the religious and spiritual outcomes have to be considered. In the case of humanoids for spiritual augmentation of children with various brain impairments, the religious implications to the children and their families require adequate support prior to the sessions. Hence, this paper provides a review of a monotheistic religion, Islam, that is, the perceptions on the use of robots for spiritual augmentation of special-needs children within the context of the Islamic faith. This is important to teachers and researchers in anticipating better outcomes and in contradicting the debate on psychedelic consequences.

Using Assistive Technology for Spiritual Enhancement of Brain-Impaired Children

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of using assistive technology for spiritual enhancement of brain-impaired children. The assistive technology in this case is the humanoid robot. A qualitative approach was employed where the sample size was twenty teachers based at a special education primary school in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Data were collected through interviews using a semi-structured interview guideline. From the analyses of the interview transcripts, the findings suggested that the teachers are optimistic on the use of humanoids to enhance the children's spiritual or religious knowledge, in particular, the repetitive motions in praying and memorizing the verses from the Quran. It is important to note that the teachers and school children are all of the Islamic faith. Although the study suggests a positive influence of humanoids for spiritual enhancement, more research is needed in this area to provide empirical evidence on assistive technology for brain-impaired children, especially those suffering from autism.

Humanoid assessing rehabilitative exercises.

This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on "New Methodologies for Patients Rehabilitation". The article presents the approach in which the rehabilitative exercise prepared by healthcare professional is encoded as formal knowledge and used by humanoid robot to assist patients without involving other care actors. The main objective is the use of humanoids in rehabilitative care. An example is pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Another goal is the automated judgment functionality to determine how the rehabilitation exercise matches the pre-programmed correct sequence. We use the Aldebaran Robotics' NAO humanoid to set up artificial cognitive application. Pre-programmed NAO induces elderly patient to undertake humanoid-driven rehabilitation exercise, but needs to evaluate the human actions against the correct template. Patient is observed using NAO's eyes. We use the Microsoft Kinect SDK to extract motion path from the humanoid's recorded video. We compare human- and humanoid-operated process sequences by using the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and test the prototype. This artificial cognitive software showcases the use of DTW algorithm to enable humanoids to judge in near real-time about the correctness of rehabilitative exercises performed by patients following the robot's indications. One could enable better sustainable rehabilitative care services in remote residential settings by combining intelligent applications piloting humanoids with the DTW pattern matching algorithm applied at run time to compare humanoid- and human-operated process sequences. In turn, it will lower the need of human care.