The University of Canberra (UC) has embarked on a research project aimed at exploring human-robot interactions.
The project, Bridging the Gap — Humans, Robots and Remote Places, will focus on industrial challenges within the Snowy Mountains by exploring how robotic technology can meet the needs unique to that region.
Director of UC’s Human-Centred Technology (HCT) Research Laboratory, Professor Roland Goecke said the University was delighted to partner with Tactical Research Pty Ltd on the project.
He said the project began the initial scoping stage on 15 May with a workshop at UC, and over the next six months the team will engage with industry and other stakeholders to identify priority research areas.
“HCT focuses on interdisciplinary research into the nature, creation and use of technology that assists people in their work and personal lives,” Professor Goecke said.
“Exploring how humans and robots can work together and cohabitate is an exciting area of research under way at the University of Canberra.”
He said the team would be looking at human–robot interaction and how unmanned drones could be utilised to inspect infrastructure or for alpine search and rescue operations.
The work will be led by Assistant Professor in Software Engineering, Damith Herath (pictured), an expert in human–robot interaction, robot navigation and robotic art.
