Description: Human-robot interaction refers to the study of how humans and robots communicate and collaborate on various tasks. This multidisciplinary field combines elements of robotics, artificial intelligence, psychology, and ergonomics to enhance the way humans interact with machines. Interaction can be physical, as in the case of collaborative robots in factories, or virtual, such as in AI-based personal assistants. The key to this interaction lies in the robots’ ability to understand and respond to human signals, whether verbal, gestural, or visual. As technology advances, the goal is for robots not only to perform specific tasks but also to adapt to users’ needs and emotions, creating a more intuitive and efficient experience. Human-robot interaction is essential in creating safer and more productive work environments, as well as improving quality of life through assistance in various settings, including homes and healthcare.
History: Human-robot interaction began to take shape in the 1950s with the development of the first industrial robots. However, it was in the 1980s and 1990s that research into how humans could work alongside these robots became more in-depth. An important milestone was the development of collaborative robots, or cobots, in the 2000s, which were designed to work closely with humans in industrial settings. As artificial intelligence technology advanced, human-robot interaction expanded into areas such as healthcare and personal assistance, allowing for more natural and effective communication.
Uses: Human-robot interaction is used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, where collaborative robots assist workers in repetitive and hazardous tasks. In healthcare, robots can assist doctors in surgeries or provide companionship to patients. They are also employed in homes, where cleaning robots and personal assistants interact with users to facilitate daily tasks. Additionally, in education, robots are used as teaching tools to promote learning in areas such as programming and robotics.
Examples: An example of human-robot interaction is the use of collaborative robots in factories, such as the UR5 robot from Universal Robots, which works alongside operators on the production line. In healthcare, the Da Vinci robot is used in minimally invasive surgeries, allowing surgeons to perform procedures with greater precision. In homes, virtual assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home interact with users to control smart devices and answer questions.
