Communication in Human-Robot Interaction

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Human-robot interaction (HRI) traditionally focuses on language-based communication.
• This perspective is limited, failing to capture the full spectrum of interaction between humans and physical agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multi-faceted aspects of HRI communication.
• To emphasize that HRI involves all communication channels relevant to physical beings.
• To highlight the difference between HRI and human-computer interaction (HCI).

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on the exploitation of different interaction channels in HRI.
• Analysis of psychological, sociological, and practical aspects influencing HRI signal interpretation and action production.

Main Results:

• Machine learning algorithms can be utilized for specific HRI tasks when suitable data and algorithms are available.
• Physical communication aspects are crucial for effective HRI, distinguishing it from HCI.
• Interpretation of signals and production of communication actions require consideration of various human factors.

Conclusions:

• Effective HRI necessitates integrating linguistic and physical communication aspects.
• Psychological, sociological, and practical considerations are vital for successful robot communication.
• Benchmarking robot functionalities, including communication, is essential for the market success of social robots.