Insights and Best Practices for Deploying Research Robots in Public Spaces

Core Concepts

Deploying research robots in public spaces requires careful consideration of consent, interviews, emergent protocols, hardware, software, study site selection, instrumentation, data collection, and media coverage.

Abstract

The authors share insights and best practices for deploying research robots in public spaces based on their field deployments of trash barrel robots in New York City. Key highlights: Consent: Obtained verbal consent post-interaction and did not require consent from incidental passersby. Documented consent through recorded verbal assent. Interviews: Conducted interviews with all individuals who interacted with the robots, including those with subtle negative interactions. Recommended having multiple interviewers to handle the volume of interactions. Emergent Protocols: Adjusted protocols during deployment to handle unexpected situations, such as robots getting stuck. Sought guidance from the IRB for handling serendipitous conversations with bystanders. Hardware: Prioritized portability and robustness for field deployments. Repurposed hoverboard motors and chassis. Used Raspberry Pi 4 as the brain and Netgear routers for communication. Software: Developed a modular ROS-based system for control and data collection. Emphasized the importance of streamlining system startup and troubleshooting. Behavior Design: Preferred differential drive robots for high maneuverability. Programmed short, modular, and interruptible action sequences. Separated linear and angular motion controls. Emergency and Watchdog: Implemented an emergency stop button and a watchdog system to handle communication failures. Study Site: Obtained permissions from local business improvement districts. Considered factors like layout, pedestrian patterns, and neighborhood demographics when selecting deployment locations. Data Collection: Recorded data from robots, environment, and operators. Addressed challenges like visual and audio noise. Media Coverage: Controlled media exposure to avoid priming participants in long-term deployments.

Stats

We deployed the robots at two different public plazas in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn for a collective of 20 hours of field time.

Quotes

"Field studies often have an exploratory element, leading to situations where pre-designed study protocols might not be fully applicable in the actual field setting." "It is essential, albeit daunting, to venture into field testing well before achieving a fully operational prototype. Embrace the simplicity of cardboard models and subject them to the rigors of real-world conditions."

Key Insights Distilled From

Field Notes on Deploying Research Robots in Public Spaces

by Fanjun Bu,Al... at arxiv.org 04-30-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.18375.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can researchers effectively engage with local communities and stakeholders when deploying research robots in public spaces?

Researchers can effectively engage with local communities and stakeholders when deploying research robots in public spaces by following several key strategies: Community Outreach: Engage with local community organizations, business improvement districts, and residents to introduce the research project, explain its goals, and address any concerns or questions they may have. Building trust and transparency is crucial in gaining community support. Collaboration: Collaborate with local stakeholders, such as city officials, property managers, and security personnel, to ensure compliance with regulations, obtain necessary permits, and address any logistical issues related to the deployment. Public Demonstrations: Organize public demonstrations or information sessions to showcase the research robots, explain their purpose, and gather feedback from the public. This can help increase awareness and acceptance of the robots in the community. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, suggestion boxes, or contact information, to allow community members to provide input, report issues, or ask questions throughout the deployment period. Community Involvement: Involve community members in the research process by inviting them to interact with the robots, participate in interviews or focus groups, and share their experiences and perspectives. This can help researchers gain valuable insights and ensure that the deployment aligns with community needs and expectations. By actively engaging with local communities and stakeholders, researchers can foster positive relationships, address concerns proactively, and create a collaborative environment for successful research robot deployments in public spaces.

How can researchers address the potential ethical concerns around the use of deception (e.g., Wizard-of-Oz) in public robot deployments?

Addressing potential ethical concerns around the use of deception, such as the Wizard-of-Oz protocol, in public robot deployments is essential to ensure the integrity and ethical conduct of the research. Researchers can take the following steps to address these concerns: Informed Consent: Prioritize obtaining informed consent from participants who directly interact with the robots, ensuring they understand the nature of the study, their participation, and the use of their data. Clearly explain the role of deception in the study and its implications. Transparency: Maintain transparency about the use of deception in the research protocol. Clearly communicate the presence of human operators (wizards) controlling the robots behind the scenes to participants and stakeholders to avoid misleading or deceiving them. Ethics Review: Seek approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or relevant ethics committee, disclosing the use of deception in the study and addressing any ethical concerns or risks associated with it. Adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations governing human subjects research. Debriefing: Provide debriefing sessions to participants after their interaction with the robots, explaining the study's purpose, the role of deception, and addressing any questions or concerns they may have. Ensure that participants leave the study with a clear understanding of the research process. Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential harms or negative consequences resulting from the use of deception in public robot deployments. Implement safeguards to protect participants' rights, privacy, and well-being throughout the study. By incorporating these ethical considerations and practices, researchers can uphold ethical standards, promote transparency, and mitigate risks associated with the use of deception in public robot deployments.

How might the insights and best practices from this study be applied to the deployment of other types of interactive technologies, such as autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure, in public spaces?

The insights and best practices from this study on deploying research robots in public spaces can be applied to the deployment of other types of interactive technologies, such as autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure, in the following ways: Community Engagement: Similar to research robots, researchers deploying autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure should engage with local communities and stakeholders to build trust, gather feedback, and address concerns. Community outreach and collaboration are key to successful deployments. Ethical Considerations: Researchers should address ethical concerns, such as transparency, informed consent, and risk assessment, when deploying autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure in public spaces. Upholding ethical standards and regulatory compliance is essential for responsible technology deployment. Data Collection and Privacy: Implement robust data collection practices and privacy safeguards when deploying interactive technologies. Ensure that data collected from autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure is handled securely, anonymized when necessary, and used ethically. Testing and Debugging: Prioritize field testing and debugging of autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure in real-world conditions to identify and address potential issues early on. Proactive testing can help prevent failures and optimize system performance. Public Perception and Media Coverage: Manage public perception and media coverage of autonomous vehicles or smart city infrastructure deployments by controlling the timing and extent of publicity. Addressing concerns, providing accurate information, and showcasing benefits can shape public attitudes positively. By applying the lessons learned and best practices from research robot deployments, researchers can navigate the complexities of deploying other interactive technologies in public spaces effectively, ethically, and responsibly.