Design and Applications of Service Robots

A special issue of Machines (ISSN 2075-1702). This special issue belongs to the section "Automation and Control Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2024) | Viewed by 9551

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Global School of Media, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea
Interests: social robot; deep learning; service robot; human–robot interaction; artificial intelligence; machine learning

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Guest Editor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
Interests: AI and deep learning; intelligent robot; human–robot interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
Interests: robotics; artificial intelligence; motion planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Service robots are becoming increasingly popular. They perform useful tasks which can greatly improve the quality of life and bring convenience to human beings. Service robots range from partial autonomy, including human–robot interaction, to full autonomy, without active human–robot intervention. They can provide semi-automatic or fully automatic services through the combination of a mobile base and a robotic arm and are equipped with a controller device. Service robots are categorized based on personal or professional use. They have various forms, a wide range of applications, and are of great research value. The main purpose of this Special Issue is to share the latest novel studies on service robots and related topics.

Keywords: industrial service robots; domestic robots; robotic home assistant; humanoid robots; social robots; socially assistive robots; machine learning for well-being; human–robot interaction; human–machine systems

Prof. Dr. Kang-Hee Lee
Dr. Ji-Hyeong Han
Dr. Inbae Jeong
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • industrial service robots
  • domestic robots
  • robotic home assistant
  • humanoid robots
  • social robots
  • socially assistive robots
  • machine learning for well-being
  • human–robot interaction
  • human–machine systems

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 18356 KiB  
Article
Implementation of Intelligent Indoor Service Robot Based on ROS and Deep Learning
by Mingyang Liu, Min Chen, Zhigang Wu, Bin Zhong and Wangfen Deng
Machines 2024, 12(4), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12040256 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1920
Abstract
When faced with challenges such as adapting to dynamic environments and handling ambiguous identification, indoor service robots encounter manifold difficulties. This paper aims to address this issue by proposing the design of a service robot equipped with precise small-object recognition, autonomous path planning, [...] Read more.
When faced with challenges such as adapting to dynamic environments and handling ambiguous identification, indoor service robots encounter manifold difficulties. This paper aims to address this issue by proposing the design of a service robot equipped with precise small-object recognition, autonomous path planning, and obstacle-avoidance capabilities. We conducted in-depth research on the suitability of three SLAM algorithms (GMapping, Hector-SLAM, and Cartographer) in indoor environments and explored their performance disparities. Upon this foundation, we have elected to utilize the STM32F407VET6 and Nvidia Jetson Nano B01 as our processing controllers. For the program design on the STM32 side, we are employing the FreeRTOS operating system, while for the Jetson Nano side, we are employing ROS (Robot Operating System) for program design. The robot employs a differential drive chassis, enabling successful autonomous path planning and obstacle-avoidance maneuvers. Within indoor environments, we utilized the YOLOv3 algorithm for target detection, achieving precise target identification. Through a series of simulations and real-world experiments, we validated the performance and feasibility of the robot, including mapping, navigation, and target detection functionalities. Experimental results demonstrate the robot’s outstanding performance and accuracy in indoor environments, offering users efficient service and presenting new avenues and methodologies for the development of indoor service robots. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Applications of Service Robots)
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19 pages, 6545 KiB  
Article
Augmenting Mobile App with NAO Robot for Autism Education
by A. M. Mutawa, Hanan Mansour Al Mudhahkah, Aisha Al-Huwais, Norah Al-Khaldi, Rayuof Al-Otaibi and Amna Al-Ansari
Machines 2023, 11(8), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11080833 - 16 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2204
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the possibility of combining humanoid robots, particularly the NAO robot, with a mobile application to enhance the educational experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The NAO robot, interfaced with a mobile app, serves as a socially [...] Read more.
This paper aims to investigate the possibility of combining humanoid robots, particularly the NAO robot, with a mobile application to enhance the educational experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The NAO robot, interfaced with a mobile app, serves as a socially assistive robotic (SAR) tool in the classroom. The study involved two groups of children aged three to six years old, exhibiting mild to moderate ASD symptoms. While the experimental group interacted with the NAO robot, the control group followed the standard curriculum. Initial findings showed that students in the experimental group exhibited higher levels of engagement and eye contact. However, certain limitations were identified, including the NAO robot’s limited capacity for concurrent interactions, language difficulties, battery life, and internet access. Despite these limitations, the study highlights the potential of robots and AI in addressing the particular educational requirements of children with ASD. Future research should focus on overcoming these obstacles to maximize the advantages of this technology in ASD education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Applications of Service Robots)
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Review

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36 pages, 1334 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Potential of Social Robots for Speech and Language Therapy: A Review and Analysis of Interactive Scenarios
by Galya Georgieva-Tsaneva, Anna Andreeva, Paulina Tsvetkova, Anna Lekova, Miglena Simonska, Vaska Stancheva-Popkostadinova, Georgi Dimitrov, Katia Rasheva-Yordanova and Iva Kostadinova
Machines 2023, 11(7), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11070693 - 1 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4515
Abstract
The use of innovative technology in the field of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) has gained significant attention nowadays. Despite being a promising research area, Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) have not been thoroughly studied and used in SLT. This paper makes two main [...] Read more.
The use of innovative technology in the field of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) has gained significant attention nowadays. Despite being a promising research area, Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) have not been thoroughly studied and used in SLT. This paper makes two main contributions: firstly, providing a comprehensive review of existing research on the use of SARs to enhance communication skills in children and adolescents. Secondly, organizing the information into tables that categorize the interactive play scenarios described in the surveyed papers. The inclusion criteria for play scenarios in the tables are based only on their effectiveness for SLT proven by experimental findings. The data, systematically presented in a table format, allow readers to easily find relevant information based on various factors, such as disorder type, age, treatment technique, robot type, etc. The study concludes that the despite limited research on the use of social robots for children and adolescents with communication disorders (CD), promising outcomes have been reported. The authors discuss the methodological, technical, and ethical limitations related to the use of SARs for SLT in clinical or home environments, as well as the huge potential of conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a secondary assistive technology to facilitate speech and language interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Applications of Service Robots)
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