Enhancing a human-robot interface using Sensory EgoSphere

Shows how a Sensory EgoSphere (SES), a robot-centric geodesic dome that represents the short term memory of a mobile robot, could enhance a human-robot interface. It is proposed that the addition of this visual representation of the sensor data on a mobile robot enhances the effectiveness of a human-robot interface. The SES migrates information presentation to the user from the sensing level to the perception level. The composition of the vision with other sensors on the SES surrounding the robot gives clarity and ease of interpretation. It enables the user to better visualize the present circumstances of the robot. The human-robot interface (HRI) will be implemented through a graphical user interface (GUI) which contains the SES, command prompt, compass, environment map, sonar and laser display. This paper proposes that the SES increases situational awareness and allows the human supervisor to accurately ascertain the present perception (sensory input) of the robot and use this information to assist the robot in getting out of difficult situations.