Robot Interaction

COURSE OBJECTIVE
Robot Interaction addresses various aspects that come into play when physically present robots interact with humans. This course focuses
mainly on social robots, humanoids in particular, suited for communicative purposes. We will discuss both sides of the coin: perspectives from the robot-side as well as perspectives from the user-side.

COURSE CONTENT
What does it mean when a robot steps out of your computer in physical space and starts interacting with humans as if it were a social entity
itself? This course will address various aspects that come into play when physically present robots interact with humans. This course focuses mainly on social robots, humanoids in particular, suited for communicative purposes. We will discuss both sides of the coin:
perspectives from the robot-side as well as perspectives from the user-side. Differences and similarities with common computer-based AI
(cf. avatars, chatbots) are discussed in comparison to human-robot interaction, exemplified by main application areas (e.g., eldercare,
education). Basic models and relevant aspects of the psychology of the user and ethical aspects are also discussed. If robots start talking to humans by themselves, how can they understand each other? Lectures will therefore also address the basics of the understanding of language (e.g., Natural Language Processing (NLP)). How to translate theoretical models into effective computer models is another challenge that will not only be lectured on but also practiced. A team of lecturers with the respective expertise will lecture on the wide variety of topics in this course. Two practical tutorials/workshops accompany the lectures to gain hands-on experience regarding the complexities of human-robot interaction.

TEACHING METHODS
Lecturers on the wide variety of topics related to Robot Interaction.
Two practical tutorials/workshops that accompany the lectures.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Examination: multiple choice test of 30 questions (30 points); 5 open essay questions (10 points); two assignments related to the workshops (treshold). Each assignment should be passed (minimum requirement; without one cannot pass this course) and the result of the examination test should pass a minimum of 26 points (= 5.5 grade).