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Detecting humans in the robot workspace

Robert Bogue (Consultant, Okehampton, UK)

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 16 October 2017

518

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a technical insight into a selection of robotic people detection technologies and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this paper first discusses people-sensing technologies which seek to extend the capabilities of human-robot collaboration by allowing humans to operate alongside conventional, industrial robots. It then provides examples of developments in people detection and tracking in unstructured, dynamic environments. Developments in people sensing and monitoring by assistive robots are then considered and finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

Robotic people detection technologies are the topic of an extensive research effort and are becoming increasingly important, as growing numbers of robots interact directly with humans. These are being deployed in industry, in public places and in the home. The sensing requirements vary according to the application and range from simple person detection and avoidance to human motion tracking, behaviour and safety monitoring, individual recognition and gesture sensing. Sensing technologies include cameras, lasers and ultrasonics, and low cost RGB-D cameras are having a major impact.

Originality/value

This article provides details of a range of developments involving people sensing in the important and rapidly developing field of human-robot interactions.

Keywords

Citation

Bogue, R. (2017), "Detecting humans in the robot workspace", Industrial Robot, Vol. 44 No. 6, pp. 689-694. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-07-2017-0132

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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