Analysis of physical human–robot interaction for motor learning with physical help

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate physical human–robot interaction (PHRI) as an important extension of traditional HRI research. The aim of this research is to develop a motor learning system that uses physical help from a human helper. We first propose a new control system that takes advantage of inherent joint flexibility. This control system is applied on a new humanoid robot called CB². In order to clarify the difference between successful and unsuccessful interaction, we conduct an experiment where a human subject has to help the CB² robot in its rising-up motion. We then develop a new measure that demonstrates the difference between smooth and non-smooth physical interactions. An analysis of the experiment's data, based on the introduced measure, shows significant differences between experts and beginners in human–robot interaction.

keywords:

• physical human–robot interaction
• humanoid robot
• pneumatic actuator
• rising-up motion

Acknowledgment

This paper owes much to the thoughtful and helpful comments of Prof. Minoru Asada (Osaka University). Also, special thanks are due to Mr. Heni Ben Amor (Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg) for reading the entire text in its original form.