On Redundant Human-Robot Interface: Concept and Design Principle

This paper proposes a new type of interface called redundant interface. The redundant interface has two benefits: (1) improved resilience that is the interface system may still work when subject to some partial damage and (2) improved understanding comprehensiveness. The second contribution of the paper is the development of a systematic approach to designing interfaces including the redundant interface. The general philosophy behind the new approach is that an interface is viewed as a product instead of a part of the machine system or real world application system. By product, it further implies that the interface is not just a dimensionless system but a product or machine or robot. In the case that the interface by itself is a robot, the motion and posture of the robot may also be utilized in human-robot communication with an increased redundancy. With such a view, the design theory and methodology in general product development can be adapted to interface design. These theories and methodologies are further integrated with a theory called perceptual compatibility principle (PCP) known in the HCI community, resulting in a complete interface design methodology. An example of the subway station guiding system is used to illustrate the proposed idea and methodology.