Teaching Robots to Safely Navigate Communities
The problem: Delivery robots and other automated machines on public sidewalks and streets have a hard time navigating complex spaces and can pose safety risks. To fully realize the benefits of these technologies, we need to develop robotics systems that can safely navigate complex public spaces while reflecting the values and priorities of the communities they serve.
The solution: A $1.25 million National Science Foundation grant is supporting a multidisciplinary Carnegie Mellon University team to design better navigation and communication systems for robots in public by putting community input first.
- Researchers are collaborating directly with residents and local organizations in Pittsburgh to brainstorm potential scenarios and define how robots should move, communicate, and follow rules in neighborhoods.
- This approach will lead to better robot social navigation and ensure that the technology will be safe and align with the public's expectations before widespread deployment.
The impact: This project establishes a new national standard for responsible technology deployment, creating a blueprint for cities and states across the country.
- By generating safety-critical datasets and testing strategies in a realistic environment, CMU is defining the standards that will protect pedestrians and property across the nation.
- By listening to residents, including groups like older adults who are particularly interested in new delivery services, the team ensures that new robotics systems prioritize human comfort and safety.
Go deeper: CMU Collaborates With Local Communities To Design Safer Robotic Systems