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School of Engineering

Human-Robot interaction (HRI) laboratory

The Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Laboratory is a world-class research facility established by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Human-Machine Systems (IROHMS).

Aligned to IROHMS research agenda, the laboratory’s research focuses on investigating research problems at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and human-machine systems.

Our main research priorities are:

  • human-robot interaction and collaboration
  • Human-like AI
  • context awareness
  • context reasoning
  • intention recognition and prediction
  • affective computing
  • explainable robotics
  • semantic reasoning
  • robot curiosity.

Technical facilities

The laboratory has cutting-edge equipment for teaching and research, including:

Care-O-Bot 4

With more than 20 degrees of freedom and an omnidirectional base, this service robot can actively support humans e.g. in their daily life and health care. Two 7-DOF arms with one finger hands are used for mechanical interaction with objects in the environment.

On its 3-DOF torso it has two 3D cameras for environmental monitoring and another 3D camera for floor monitoring. The robot’s head has a touch panel display to interact with people and contains a moving sensor ring with 3D camera for facial and gesture recognition, and microphone for speech recognition.

Vicon Motion Tracking System

A setup of 10 Vicon Vero cameras with advanced technology and intelligent controls, together with a Vicon RGB camera can track human and objects precisely, accurately, and rigorously. The technology enables a wide variety of research from human-robot collaboration to context awareness, and more.

Siemens Plant Simulation Software

A powerful tool for modelling, simulating, analysing, visualizing, and optimizing production systems and processes, which is developed by Siemens PLM Software.

Eye Tracker and EEG Headset

These cutting-edge equipment enable studying human physiological signals and behaviours, which are fundamental in different robotic areas such human-like AI and trusted autonomy.

HTC VIVE Virtual Reality Headset

With high resolution, this VR headset offers a comprehensive package to support users to get more out of the virtual reality experience.

Smart Eye

This eye tracking system uses digital cameras for real-time tracking of eye movement and gaze direction. It has several applications in different research areas such as human-centred robotics, and human intention recognition.

Practical applications

Lab users work closely together to design and develop novel methods and concepts to make an impact on the field of human-robot interaction and society. The application of our laboratory’s technologies can be used in several fields including industry, healthcare, entertainment, sport, and training.

Current research at the Human-Robot Interaction Lab includes the emerging field of explainable robotics, virtual and augmented reality, and simulation in the context of smart manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles.

Virtual tour

Watch our virtual tour on YouTube.

For any queries, please contact hri@cardiff.ac.uk.