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Emergent behaviour of robotic lawnmowers in public spaces.

The integration of automated machines, such as robotic lawnmowers, into our daily lives is revolutionizing how we interact with tasks and environments. However, integrating these machines requires a deep understanding of both human and robot perception in their specific environments. This project investigates how a robotic lawnmower could learn to effectively interact with humans in public spaces, particularly parks.

 

Unlike robots in less public spaces like a factory floor or the home, robotic lawnmowers deployed in parks are often interacting with humans that they have not encountered before. This adds an additional layer of social complexity. Furthermore, the addition of hardware such as screens, lights or speakers significantly increases cost due to the harsh operating conditions of a public space (weather, battery life, reliability etc).

 

Therefore, this project aims to investigate emergent behaviour from interactions with its environment. We aim to explore how the robot’s physical environment (terrain, flora and fauna), and social environment (various types of park goers) can influence this. This is crucial in environments where both the recreational activities of park users and the efficiency of the robots need to coexist harmoniously.

You will draw from research in animation principles [ref], affective human robot interaction [ref], and novelty search algorithms [ref] to support your research.

 

Why Join This Project?

  • Innovative Research: Be at the forefront of integrating robotics into everyday public spaces.

  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Combine principles from animation, human-computer interaction, and robotics.

  • Real-World Impact: Contribute to making public spaces safe, efficient and meaningful with cutting-edge technology.

  • Collaborative Environment: Work with the KTH and Husqvarna teams to gain valuable experience in a dynamic field.

To apply, please send your resume via email.

 

Thanks :)

Can can we develop robots that solve tasks in rich ways?

a real robot and a simulation


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