Extreme human-robot interfaces: Increasing trust and assurance around robots

Abstract

This paper approaches the issues of human-robot interaction in extreme human-robot interface situations, defined as those which provide a real physical intervention in a person's body by a robot. Robots that belong to this group perform tasks such as tattooing, collecting blood and doing surgery. Authors use a Lynxmotion AL5B mechanical arm controlled via Botboarduino named BOTicelli to make simple patterns with a felt-tip pen on volunteers' skin. The patterns are composed by clusters of dots, similar to real-world tattooing techniques. This paper intends to understand the major discomforts experienced by volunteers while interacting with BOTicelli and whether there are possible modifications of robot design or procedures that would render the experience less aggravating for humans.