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There is method to the madness

I talked about HRI methods with Tony Belpaeme.

The success of Human Robot Interaction depends on utilizing our understanding of the interaction between humans and robots in the development of new technology. These new technologies then need to be rigorously tested to proof their benefit. In other words, it is time for an HRI study. In this episode we will discuss some of the major decision you need to make when designing a study with Tony Belpaeme who recently published a book chapter entitled “Advice to new human-robot interaction researchers”. Choose wisely, for while the true study will bring you knowledge, the false study will take it from you.

Transcript

The transcript of the episode is available as a PDF. You can also follow the episode with subtitles through Descript.

HRI-Podcast-Episode-016-There-Is-Method-To-The-Madness-Transcript

ISSN 2703-4054

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Why do all social robots fail in the market?

The resurrection of dead robots.

While working on our first Human-Robot Interaction textbook, we noticed that almost all the robots mentioned in the book had failed in the market. Our book had become an obituary. I talked with Lundy Lewis, Frederic Kaplan, Amro Najjar, Robert Cheek and Tomas Concha (NTT Disruption) about why almost all social robots failed in the market. The Aibo and Jibo robots are examples of robots that were brought to the market, failed and were resurrected from the dead. One in fame and one in shame.

Transcript

The transcript of the episode is available as a PDF. You can also follow the episode with subtitles through Descript.

HRI-Podcast-Episode-015-Why-Do-All-Social-Robots-Fail-In-The-Market-Transcript

ISSN 2703-4054

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Artificial Artificial Intelligence

Did Zach pass the Turing test?

Alan Turing devised the Imitation Game as a test the intelligence of machines. This test is also used in human-robot interaction. But what happens if not a computer is trying to convince you that it is a human, but a human is trying to deceive you in thinking he is an artificial intelligence? In this episode we will discuss the Turing Test, the Zach super computer and what it means to think. I interviewed Diane Proudfoot and David Farrier about the Terrible Foundation, Turing Test and Artificial Intelligence.

The transcript of the episode is available as a PDF. You can also follow the episode with subtitles through Descript.

HRI-Podcast-Episode-014-Artificial-Artificial-Intelligence-Transcript

ISSN 2703-4054

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Pre-Order Discounts

Promotional discounts available.

Our book is almost ready for shipping and you can order the book at Cambridge University Press. There are two promotional discounts available. There is a 30% discount available until April 22nd with the code 99451 during checkout. A second code worth 20% is available until December 2020 with the code HRI2020. Please consider ordering the book to support the struggling publishing business.

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The Good Robot

How can a robot act ethically?

Humans have asked themselves since the beginning of time “What is good”? While we have some consensus and even laws, teaching a robot to act ethically remains a delicate problem. It certainly requires more than three laws. How can a robot know what to do while operating in an uncertain world? I interviewed Sean Welsh on Ethics in Human-Robot Interaction.

Transcript

The transcript of the episode is available as a PDF. You can also follow the episode with subtitles through Descript.

HRI-Podcast-Episode-013-The-Good-Robot-Transcript

ISSN 2703-4054

Links:

The Rise And Fall of ATR

We discuss the conception, rise and fall of ATR.

The Advanced Telecommunication Institute International (ATR) in Japan is a major player in the field of human-robot interaction. Its early history was described by many who worked there as a paradise. After many changes to its funding and subsequently to its organization it remains a pretty strong research organization, but it is only a shadow of its early glory. Many researchers left this highly volatile and competitive environment. In this episode of the Human-Robot Interaction Podcast we will try to understand what the changes of a research organization means for its employees. I interview Takayuki KandaMichita Imai and Dylan F. Glas about their work at ATR and their lives afterwards.

ISSN 2703-4054

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Humans and/or Robots at ATR

We talk about the people at ATR and the robots they created.

The Advanced Telecommunication Research Institute International in Japan is a major contributor to Human-Robot Interaction. I interview Takayuki Kanda, Michita Imai and Dylan F. Glas about their work on robots at ATR. How was Robovie developed and what is the goal of the Erika android? In two episodes we will have a closer look at the people working at ATR and the robots they created. We will also discuss what it means to work for a research lab like ATR in Japan.

ISSN 2703-4054

Supporter:

Furhat is a social robot that communicates with us humans as we do with each other – by speaking, listening, showing emotions and maintaining eye contact. Build interactions and experiences unlike any other with the world’s most advanced social robotics platform. Follow the link in the description to find out more about the Furhat Robotics.

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