Strategic Themes

Haptic Interaction Modelling for Extended Reality (XR) and Metaverse Design

Data-driven and physics-based modeling of haptic interaction for XR and Metaverse applications. Design robotics interfaces for haptic-enabled rendering.

Human-Robot and Human-Computer Interaction

Development of intuitive soft- and hardware solutions for HCI and HRI. Interpreting human motion dynamics as an input to the system and design tactile feedback.

Robotics and Teleoperation

Design tactile and proprioceptive sensors for soft robots. Design haptic-enabled control for human-in-loop systems and teleoperation.

Research Project

Construction and maintenance of roads are tedious processes involving a considerable amount of manual work. The personnel working at the construction site usually perform difficult tasks, e.g., lifting and moving heavy loads, and are often exposed to severe weather conditions. In this project, Dr Arsen Abdulali proposes a novel approach of human-robot social cooperation, where the human operator remotely orchestrates the robot. The robot performs the manipulation routines with objects and the roadside environment in a semi-automated manner. The proposed human-in-loop design will move the roadside workers to the remote offices, which reduces the negative effects associated with health and safety.

Project Title: Human-Robot Cooperation for Maintenance and Construction of Future Roads 

Abstract:

Construction and maintenance of roads are tedious processes involving a considerable amount of manual work. The personnel working at the construction site usually perform difficult tasks, e.g., lifting and moving heavy loads, and are often exposed to severe weather conditions. In this project, we propose a novel approach of human-robot social cooperation, where the human operator remotely orchestrates the robot. The robot performs the manipulation routines with objects and the roadside environment in a semi-automated manner. The proposed human-in-loop design will move the roadside workers to the remote offices, which reduces the negative effects associated with health and safety. The applicant plans to develop the project in three steps. First, the applicant will develop the haptic-enabled simulator that allows the human operator to manipulate objects simulated in a digital twin road construction or maintenance. The proposed simulator can be later used as a training platform to teach new staff members. In the second stage, the algorithms developed for manipulation with a virtual environment will be implemented to operate a physical robot in a teleoperation setting. At this point, the main objective is to design control algorithms, as well as to develop an end-effector capable of sensing the physical contact and executing task-specific actuation. The last stage is the development of the concept of human-robot cooperation, where the operator controls the robot through abstract motion patterns(orchestration) rather than by employing direct coordination through teleoperation. The proposed project has potentially a high social and scientific impact and involves multidisciplinary and international collaboration.

The goal and objectives of the project align with and is motivated by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing human-centric approaches to aid in transitioning from Industry 4.0 to a more inclusive and equitable Industry 5.0. Particularly, the target SDGs are “8. Decent Work and Economic Growth”, “9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”, “11. Sustainable Cities and Communities”, and “12. Responsible Construction and Production”. The project also makes the industry more inclusive to people physically less capable in manual labour jobs, which positively affects the “5. Gender Equality”, and “10. Reduced Inequalities” goals.

This is a research level project with a plan to grow from TRL 1 (Basic Principles Observed) to TRL 3 (Experimental Proof of Concepts) level with possible cooperation with interested industry partners.

The choice of the secondment plan will be made based on interest from the industry partners, as well as the available infrastructure and target application domain and expertise.

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