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School of Engineering

Human-robot interaction 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.

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. 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

The application of our laboratory’s technologies can be used in several fields including industry, healthcare, entertainment, sport, and training. 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 for example 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.