Interdependency in Human-Robot Collaboration
Inger Mey
University of Texas
Abstract
Most studies on human-robot interaction (HRI) have focused on robots performing humanlike activities. Such robots are often called companion robots, search-and-rescue robots, as well as robotic toys for children with certain social challenges. Interactions between humans and robots in such cases tend to focus on the social and interactive skills of the robot. Skills and behavior of the robots must be acceptable to humans, and not pose any danger if they operate in the same “workspace” (Dautenhahn 2007). Other types of robots are the so-called service robots: the vacuum cleaner or the lawn mower, which are programmed to operate independently of humans in the workspace.
Researchers in microbiology make use of another type of robot called a microarrayer (a robot that prints DNA solutions onto microarray slides). In the microbiology lab where I did my studies, microarray technology was used to investigate the differential gene expressions of pathogens, especially Vibrio cholera, Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli. This technology is useful, not only in the detection and identification of pathogens, but also in the determination of antimicrobial resistance.
My data involved the learning process of a group of microbiologists who were instructed in the operation of a microarray robot. During this learning process, it became evident that the robot needed a lot of attention and upkeep to operate optimally. Not only did it have to be programmed to recognize the length, width and height of the printing table for this specific job; also, the print pins had to be cleaned, so that no lint or dust would prevent the capillary action to draw fluid into the slit and the storage reservoir. The most complicated task for the researchers was securing the pins into the print head. The pins were fitted into small holes, just big enough to hold them tight, and a lid was eased over the top of the pins.
The study showed the robot’s dependency on humans for servicing and priming its mechanical parts, and for programming its movements. A robot like the microarrayer, depends entirely upon the maintenance and supervision of its human caretakers. On the other hand, the microbiologists are dependent on the microarrayer for their DNA analyses. This suggests that the connection between the robot and its human operators is a relationship characterized by interdependency in collaboration rather than by interaction.
Reference
Dautenhahn, Kerstin (29 April 2007). "Socially intelligent robots: dimensions of human–robot interaction" (pdf). Phil. Trans. R. Soc. b. 362 (1480): 679–704. doi:10.1098/rstb.2006.2004.