By Alex Elias…
As a passionate researcher in the field of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the 33rd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN 2024) in Pasadena, California.
Attending RO-MAN 2024 was a significant milestone in my academic journey. The excitement of being part of such a prestigious event, surrounded by leading experts and fellow enthusiasts, was truly exhilarating. This year’s conference theme, “Embracing Human-Centered HRI,” resonated deeply with my research interests and underscored the importance of designing robotic systems that prioritize human needs and enhance our quality of life.
I was particularly thrilled to present my first paper, “Unveiling Trust Dynamics with a Mobile Service Robot: Exploring Various Interaction Styles for an Agricultural Task” at this esteemed conference. The experience was both nerve-wracking and immensely rewarding, and I am excited to share my journey and insights with you all.
My Journey to RO-MAN 2024
Preparing for RO-MAN 2024 was an intense yet fulfilling experience. My journey began with the research and development of my paper, “Unveiling Trust Dynamics with a Mobile Service Robot: Exploring Various Interaction Styles for an Agricultural Task.” This project aimed to investigate how different interaction styles between humans and robots could influence trust, particularly in the context of agricultural tasks.
The research process involved extensive literature reviews, designing experiments, and collecting data. I spent countless hours in the lab, fine-tuning the interaction protocols and ensuring the robot’s behavior was both functional and engaging. Writing the paper was another significant challenge. It required me to clearly articulate my findings, present data effectively, and ensure that my arguments were coherent and compelling.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing my time effectively. Balancing my research with other academic responsibilities was tough, but I learned to prioritize tasks and set realistic deadlines. There were moments of doubt and frustration, especially when experiments didn’t go as planned or when I struggled to find the right words for my paper. However, perseverance and a positive mindset helped me push through these obstacles.
I was fortunate to receive immense support from my supervisory team as they provided invaluable guidance throughout the research process, offering constructive feedback and encouraging me to think critically about my work.
Highlights of the Conference
RO-MAN 2024 was packed with fascinating sessions, workshops, and keynotes that left a lasting impression on me. One of the most interesting sessions I attended was on “Human-Robot Collaboration in Healthcare.” The speakers discussed innovative ways robots are being integrated into healthcare settings to assist with tasks ranging from surgery to patient care. The insights into how robots can enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes were truly eye-opening.
Another highlight was the workshop on “Ethical Considerations in Human-Robot Interaction.” This session delved into the ethical challenges and responsibilities that come with developing and deploying robots in various environments. The discussions were thought-provoking and emphasized the importance of designing robots that are not only functional but also ethically sound.
The paper discussed by Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, a pioneer in social robotics, was particularly inspiring. She shared her journey in the field and highlighted the potential of robots to positively impact society. Her talk on the future of social robots and their role in education and eldercare was both visionary and motivating.
I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with several notable researchers. Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguro, known for his work on humanoid robots, was one of them. Our conversation about the future of human-like robots and their applications in everyday life was incredibly insightful. Additionally, I connected with Dr. Selma Sabanovic, whose research on robotics design aligns closely with my interests. Her advice on pursuing interdisciplinary research and collaborating across fields was invaluable.
While speaking to several well-cited researchers I also had the opportunity to meet and get to know fellow early career researchers from all over the world, for example from the University of Lille, CAL-TECH, University of Bucharest and many more. By speaking with these early researchers future potential collaboration on projects was discussed for the next academic year.
One of the most exciting aspects of the conference was the exchange of new ideas and insights. I learned about the latest advancements in robot perception and interaction, which sparked new ideas for my own research. The discussions on trust dynamics in HRI, particularly in collaborative tasks, provided fresh perspectives that I plan to incorporate into my future work.
Making the most of my time in California
Although my time in California was extremely busy going between workshops, keynote speakers and papers being presented I was also able to make the most of my trip over the pond with some of the must-do activities for all tourists.
This included a trip to the Griffiths Observatory where I was able to look through the infamous Zeiss Telescope and attend a late-night showing of the “Signs of life” astronomical detective story that propelled me to uncover what it took to put life into the universe.
I also got on the metro to Hollywood with CDT’s Cohort 1 Roopika Ravikanna where we made the most of our early visit to the star-studded location by walking up and down Boulevard with a mission to find our favourite celebrity stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Once the crowds started to fill the street and the temperature rocketed, we took the opportunity to go get out of the sun and visit Madame Tussauds to take some photos with the interactive wax works in the museum.
On the final day before coming home myself and a few other students from the conference made our way down to Santa Monica Pier to ride the famous West Coaster that I’ve seen so many time in movies and on TV shows, from there we decided to walk over to Venice Beach for some lunch and see all of the local market stalls and street artists.
Overall, I had an amazing time over in California and would encourage all students and researchers to attend similar conferences and actively engage in research activities. These events offer unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. Whether you are presenting your work or simply attending sessions, the experience is invaluable and can significantly shape your academic and professional trajectory.
Thank you to Alex for sharing his experience of this Conference.
If you have something you want to share with the AgriFoRwArdS community, please get in touch at agriforwards.cdt@lincoln.ac.uk.