Realization and Evaluation of Assistive Human-Mechatronic Systems with Human-friendly Robotic Agents at HWRS-ERC

Three types of assistive human-mechatronic systems are considered: (1) a smart house system for the elderly/the disabled, (2) a factory environment for the elderly/the disabled, and (3) a hospital surgery room for medical doctors. We report how each of these systems have been implemented with human-friendly robotic agents and what have been modified with feedback evaluation of the potential users during the course of our last 9 year projects at HWRS-ERC. Special attention will be given to the aspect of "human-friendly human-machine interaction" and to the task-oriented design (TOD) principle. With regard to more difficult problems to resolve than the solutions that we have achieved by far, we shall further discuss some of the important prospects and issues of future development, including safety and long-term learning, in the area of assistive service robotic system technology for people in need such as the elderly and the disabled for their independence and pride so as to enhance quality of life and possibly endow capability to do proper productive work.