Walking with Robots: Video Analysis of Human-Robot Interactions in Transit Spaces

Abstract

The proliferation of robots in public spaces necessitates a deeper understanding of how these robots can interact with those they share the space with. In this paper, we present findings from video analysis of publicly deployed cleaning robots in a transit space, a major commercial airport, using their navigational 'troubles' as a tool to document what robots currently lack in interactional competence. We demonstrate that these robots, while technically proficient, can disrupt the social order of a space due to their inability to understand core aspects of human movement: mutual adjustment to others, the significance of understanding social groups, and the purpose of different locations. In discussion we argue for exploring a new design space of movement: socially-aware movement. By developing "strong concepts" that treat movement as an interactional and collaborative accomplishment, we can create systems that better integrate into the everyday rhythms of public life.