Cognitive Human Machine Interface of Workpartner Robot

Cognitive control is a new method for more human like interactive control of autonomous work machines especially service robots. In the cognitive control method considered in the paper environment modelling, task definition and control are made interactively between the operator and the machine utilising communication methods, which are easy for the cognition of both parts. Human and machine cognition are fundamentally different which has been taken into consideration when designing the HMI. Modelling and task definition are possible only when the operator and the machine are on the same level of cognition i.e. they understand the environment and the target objects similarly. The robot control is based on human speech and gestures instead of keyboard or joystick control. Robot can also respond by using speech and gestures. When both the operator and the robot understand the environment and the work objects similarly, they can communicate with concepts and the work task can be completed collaboratively. Cognitive HMI is tested and demonstrated with WorkPartner – a Centauroid service robot. Copyright 2001 IFAC