Joint Action in Humans: A Model for Human-Robot Interaction

The recently developed Life-Space-Foam approach to goal-directed human action deals with individual actor dynamics. This paper applies the model to characterize the dynamics of co-action by two or more actors. This dynamics is modelled by (i) a two-term joint action (including cognitive/motivatonal potential and kinetic energy), and (ii) its associated adaptive path integral, representing an infinite-dimensional neural network. Its feedback adaptation loop has been derived from Bernstein's concepts of sensory corrections loop in human motor control and Brooks' subsumption architectures in robotics. Potential applications of the proposed model in human-robot interaction research are discussed.

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Communication Models in Human–Robot Interaction: An Asymmetric MODel of ALterity in Human–Robot Interaction (AMODAL-HRI)

International Journal of Social Robotics ◽

10.1007/s12369-021-00785-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Helena Anna Frijns ◽

Oliver Schürer ◽

Sabine Theresia Koeszegi

Keyword(s):

Interpersonal Communication ◽

Joint Action ◽

Communication Theory ◽

Interaction Model ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Human Robot Interaction ◽

Cognitive Architectures ◽

Robot Interaction ◽

Asymmetric Model ◽

Communication Models

AbstractWe argue for an interdisciplinary approach that connects existing models and theories in Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) to traditions in communication theory. In this article, we review existing models of interpersonal communication and interaction models that have been applied and developed in the contexts of HRI and social robotics. We argue that often, symmetric models are proposed in which the human and robot agents are depicted as having similar ways of functioning (similar capabilities, components, processes). However, we argue that models of human–robot interaction or communication should be asymmetric instead. We propose an asymmetric interaction model called AMODAL-HRI (an Asymmetric MODel of ALterity in Human–Robot Interaction). This model is based on theory on joint action, common robot architectures and cognitive architectures, and Kincaid’s model of communication. On the basis of this model, we discuss key differences between humans and robots that influence human expectations regarding interacting with robots, and identify design implications.

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The perception of a robot partner’s effort elicits a sense of commitment to human-robot interaction

Interaction Studies ◽

10.1075/is.18001.sze ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 234-255

Author(s):

Marcell Székely ◽

Henry Powell ◽

Fabio Vannucci ◽

Francesco Rea ◽

Alessandra Sciutti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Joint Action ◽

Humanoid Robot ◽

Human Robot Interaction ◽

Robot Interaction

Abstract Previous research has shown that the perception that one’s partner is investing effort in a joint action can generate a sense of commitment, leading participants to persist longer despite increasing boredom. The current research extends this finding to human-robot interaction. We implemented a 2-player version of the classic snake game which became increasingly boring over the course of each round, and operationalized commitment in terms of how long participants persisted before pressing a ‘finish’ button to conclude each round. Participants were informed that they would be linked via internet with their partner, a humanoid robot. Our results reveal that participants persisted longer when they perceived what they believed to be cues of their robot partner’s effortful contribution to the joint action. This provides evidence that the perception of a robot partner’s effort can elicit a sense of commitment to human-robot interaction.

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What Is It to Implement a Human-Robot Joint Action?

Robotics, AI, and Humanity ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-54173-6_19 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 229-238

Author(s):

Aurelie Clodic ◽

Rachid Alami

Keyword(s):

Joint Action ◽

Human Subject ◽

Internal State ◽

Human Robot Interaction ◽

The Other ◽

Dual Process ◽

Robot Interaction ◽

Human Agent ◽

Shared Goal ◽

Four Blocks

AbstractJoint action in the sphere of human–human interrelations may be a model for human–robot interactions. Human–human interrelations are only possible when several prerequisites are met, inter alia: (1) that each agent has a representation within itself of its distinction from the other so that their respective tasks can be coordinated; (2) each agent attends to the same object, is aware of that fact, and the two sets of “attentions” are causally connected; and (3) each agent understands the other’s action as intentional. The authors explain how human–robot interaction can benefit from the same threefold pattern. In this context, two key problems emerge. First, how can a robot be programed to recognize its distinction from a human subject in the same space, to detect when a human agent is attending to something, to produce signals which exhibit their internal state and make decisions about the goal-directedness of the other’s actions such that the appropriate predictions can be made? Second, what must humans learn about robots so they are able to interact reliably with them in view of a shared goal? This dual process is here examined by reference to the laboratory case of a human and a robot who team up in building a stack with four blocks.

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Social Models for Social Robotics

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Applications - Culturally Sustainable Social Robotics ◽

10.3233/faia200950 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aurélie Clodic ◽

Frank Dignum ◽

Víctor Fernández Castro ◽

Raul Hakli

Keyword(s):

Interdisciplinary Research ◽

Joint Action ◽

New Technology ◽

Social Robotics ◽

Human Robot Interaction ◽

Cultural Impact ◽

Robot Interaction ◽

Social Agents ◽

Cultural Perspectives ◽

Research Areas

Social robotics is one of the most important emerging technologies, with potentially profound socio-cultural impact. However, the current interdisciplinary research areas of “social robotics” and “Human-Robot Interaction” (HRI) are not yet equipped with the necessary conceptual tools in order to design interactions between humans and robots. New approaches for effective yet context-adequate social interactions are needed, that observe overarching ethical principles and take larger socio-cultural perspectives into account. With this workshop, we aim to clarify questions arising with this new technology. How far can robots go—now and in the future—to fulfill the requirements of full-blown social agents? How and where do ethical requirements dovetail with the elements (conditions, principles, and procedures) for social agency? This workshop will be part of the “Toward a Framework for Joint Action” series (fja.sciencesconf.org).

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A Horizontal Approach to Communication for Human-Robot Joint Action: Towards Situated and Sustainable Robotics

Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Applications - Culturally Sustainable Social Robotics ◽

10.3233/faia200916 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kathleen Belhassein ◽

Víctor Fernández Castro ◽

Amandine Mayima

Keyword(s):

Building Block ◽

Joint Action ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Social Robotics ◽

Human Robot Interaction ◽

Psychological Profile ◽

Block Model ◽

Robot Interaction ◽

Communicative Strategies ◽

Test Process

This paper aims at presenting a horizontal approach to the design of communication for joint action in human-robot interaction. According to this approach, social robotics must focus on different parameters of the whole joint action including context, the embedded situation and human psychological profile during the design and test process. Such an approach aims at complementing the standard building-block model that represents the state-of-the-art in robotic communication. Moreover, we provide some general ideas of how the model can facilitate the use of available communicative strategies for creating more efficient culturally sustainable robots in contexts of joint action.

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