Co-designing Accessible Public Service Robots: Insights from People with Mobility Disabilities and Robotic Practitioners

Core Concepts

Integrating the accessibility needs of people with mobility disabilities (PwMD) is crucial for designing safe and socially responsible public service robots that can navigate sidewalks and public spaces.

Abstract

The study explores the complex relationship between sidewalk robots and PwMD to inform the design and operation of these robots. It consists of three parts: Interviews with 15 PwMD to understand their perceptions of sidewalk robots and how different design factors and environmental constraints may impact their interactions. Interviews with 8 robotics practitioners from industry and academia to identify organizational challenges and opportunities for improving accessibility in public robot design. Four co-design workshops pairing PwMD and roboticists to conceptualize accessible public service robots and discuss how their collaboration can inform current HRI practice. Key insights from PwMD interviews: Concerns about competing for limited sidewalk space and curb cuts with robots Need for clear robot communication and recognition of mobility aids Desire for robots to have altruistic functions benefiting the disabled community Importance of robot accountability and transparency Key insights from roboticist interviews: Accessibility is often overlooked due to prioritization metrics and resource constraints Early inclusion of PwMD in the design process is crucial but rarely practiced Comprehensive collaborations across disciplines and with policymakers are needed to address accessibility The co-design workshops generated ideas for accessible public service robots and highlighted the value of integrating PwMD perspectives into robot development.

Stats

"the companies developing robots are startups, and they don't care, or they don't have the time to be able to do the proper compliance steps[...] It's just hard and expensive." (R4) "If the robot companies evaluate the impact of accessible features, they would see how broadly it can be useful." (R5) "Appropriately modeling human behavior[to the robots]...is a huge challenge that we still need to do a lot of work [...]to have robots actually behave the way we want them to and expect them to." (R1)

Quotes

"If the robot makes some movement that could lead me to a problem[...] I will say that can you choose another way? Or is there another option because I'm not comfortable?" (P8) "The biggest thing for any sidewalk robot is, there [must be] a way for it to get off the sidewalk..." (P9) "If the technology can only be beneficial if the governments introduce them in the right way." (P10)

Key Insights Distilled From

Co-design Accessible Public Robots

by Howard Ziyu ... at arxiv.org 04-09-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.05050.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can robotics companies be incentivized to prioritize accessibility from the outset, beyond just addressing issues reactively?

Robotics companies can be incentivized to prioritize accessibility from the outset by implementing a combination of regulatory requirements, industry standards, and market-driven incentives. Regulatory Frameworks: Governments can introduce regulations that mandate accessibility considerations in the design and deployment of public service robots. This can include requirements for accessibility features, compliance with disability rights laws, and penalties for non-compliance. By making accessibility a legal requirement, companies are motivated to prioritize it from the beginning to avoid fines or legal repercussions. Industry Standards: Establishing industry standards for accessibility in robotics can provide clear guidelines for companies to follow. These standards can cover aspects such as user interface design, communication modalities, and navigation behaviors that ensure inclusivity for people with disabilities. Adhering to industry standards can enhance a company's reputation and competitiveness in the market. Market Demand: Consumer demand for inclusive and accessible products can also drive companies to prioritize accessibility. By demonstrating a commitment to accessibility, companies can attract a broader customer base, including individuals with disabilities and their allies. Public perception and brand reputation can be positively influenced by showcasing a dedication to accessibility in robot design. Collaboration with Disability Advocates: Engaging with disability advocacy groups and individuals with disabilities in the design process can provide valuable insights and feedback. By involving stakeholders with lived experiences of disability, companies can ensure that their robots are truly inclusive and meet the diverse needs of users. This collaborative approach can lead to innovative solutions and a more user-centered design process. By combining these approaches, robotics companies can proactively prioritize accessibility in their design and development processes, leading to more inclusive and user-friendly public service robots.

How might the insights from co-designing accessible public robots inform the development of other autonomous technologies, such as self-driving cars, that will also operate in public spaces?

Insights from co-designing accessible public robots can inform the development of other autonomous technologies, such as self-driving cars, in the following ways: User-Centered Design: The co-design process involving people with disabilities can highlight the importance of user-centered design in creating inclusive technologies. By understanding the diverse needs and preferences of users, developers of self-driving cars can design interfaces, communication systems, and navigation behaviors that cater to a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. Accessibility Features: Lessons learned from designing accessible public robots, such as the importance of clear communication, adaptable interaction modalities, and recognition of diverse mobility aids, can be applied to self-driving cars. Incorporating accessibility features from the outset can ensure that self-driving cars are usable by individuals with disabilities and enhance their overall user experience. Regulatory Compliance: Insights from co-designing accessible public robots can inform the development of industry standards and regulatory frameworks for autonomous technologies. By considering accessibility requirements early in the design process, developers of self-driving cars can proactively meet regulatory expectations and ensure compliance with disability rights laws. Safety and Social Navigation: Understanding how public robots interact with pedestrians, including people with disabilities, can provide valuable insights into safety and social navigation for self-driving cars. By observing and addressing potential conflicts, communication challenges, and navigation issues in public spaces, developers of self-driving cars can enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles in diverse environments. Overall, the insights gained from co-designing accessible public robots can serve as a foundation for creating more inclusive and user-friendly autonomous technologies, including self-driving cars, that prioritize accessibility and meet the needs of all users.

What regulatory frameworks or industry standards could help ensure public service robots are designed with the needs of people with disabilities in mind?

Several regulatory frameworks and industry standards can help ensure that public service robots are designed with the needs of people with disabilities in mind: Accessibility Guidelines: Developing specific accessibility guidelines for public service robots can outline requirements for features such as clear communication modalities, adaptable interfaces, and inclusive design principles. These guidelines can be based on existing accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) but tailored to the unique challenges of robot-human interaction. Disability Rights Legislation: Incorporating provisions related to accessibility in disability rights legislation can mandate that public service robots must be designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This can include requirements for equal access, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodations for users with diverse needs. Universal Design Principles: Encouraging the adoption of universal design principles in the development of public service robots can ensure that the technology is usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. Standards promoting universal design can guide developers in creating products that are accessible, intuitive, and user-friendly for all individuals. Human-Robot Interaction Standards: Establishing standards specific to human-robot interaction (HRI) can address the unique challenges of designing robots for public spaces. These standards can cover aspects such as social navigation, safety protocols, and communication strategies that prioritize the needs and preferences of people with disabilities. Ethical Guidelines: Implementing ethical guidelines for the design and deployment of public service robots can emphasize the importance of inclusivity, respect for diversity, and consideration of marginalized populations, including individuals with disabilities. These guidelines can inform decision-making processes and ensure that ethical considerations are integrated into robot design practices. By integrating these regulatory frameworks and industry standards, public service robots can be designed with a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and user-centered design, ultimately enhancing the usability and acceptance of the technology among individuals with disabilities.