Integration Expertise in HRI Research: A First Study
Sebastian Wrede, Ingo Lütkebohle · PUB – Publications at Bielefeld University (Bielefeld University) · 2008
It is widely acknowledged that one of the deciding new challenges for robotics is applicability within unstructured, human-centered environments such as peoples homes. So far, however, this vision remains distant and autonomous systems that can socially interact with humans are rare. In order to realize them, interdisciplinary collaboration is required, so that robots are not only technically sound but also human-adequate. In this contribution, we investigate one of the main factors for building robust and useful systems: How well researchers are supported by sound software engineering methods in their interdisciplinary projects. We have surveyed researchers from Human-Robot-Interaction (HRI), and present results that show ubiquitous collaboration and significant use of general-purpose methods. Testing, simulation and benchmarking are not widely used, however, and we present some observations on why this may be and possible steps to improve the situation. Lastly, we present preliminary experience gained with the evidence-based research approach in software engineering for robotics.