In the rapidly evolving landscape of human-robot interaction, the integration of emotional intelligence holds significant promise for advancing the effectiveness and acceptance of collaborative robotic systems. This conceptual research explores the intersection of emotional intelligence and human-robot collaboration, aiming to augment the cognitive and affective capabilities of robots to better understand, interpret, and respond to human emotions. The research explores the impact of emotionally intelligent robots on user experience, task performance, and overall collaboration dynamics. It examines how emotionally aware robots can adapt their behavior in real time, fostering a more natural and harmonious interaction with human counterparts. This research aims to contribute to the theoretical foundation of human-robot collaboration, shedding light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating emotional intelligence into robotic systems.
TopIntroduction
Over the past few years, the realms of robotics and automation have undergone extraordinary progress, revolutionizing multiple industries. These breakthroughs not only revolutionize traditional methods of production and work but also open new avenues for achievement (Heming, Kuki 2023). Particularly in healthcare, the impact of robotic advancements is profound. From enhanced precision and decreased patient recovery time using surgical robots, to AI-equipped robots analyzing medical data for more accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations, these technologies are transforming the healthcare landscape. The utilization of automation in drug discovery and laboratory procedures has greatly enhanced the pace of research, resulting in swift progressions in medical science. Not only have e-commerce and global supply chains reaped the benefits of automation in logistics and warehousing, but the implementation of autonomous vehicles and drones has also streamlined the transportation of goods, guaranteed prompt deliveries and minimizing human workload. Furthermore, warehouses now incorporate the use of robots for tasks such as sorting, packing, and organizing, leading to efficient use of storage space and faster order fulfillment (Maged Farouk, 2022).
The emergence of robotics is fuelled by progress in automation, engineering, and artificial intelligence, which has led to the widespread integration of robots in our daily lives. Unlike traditional robots used in factories, service robots are designed to perform a variety of tasks while interacting with humans. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, these machines will play an essential role in modern society and have the power to shape our social interactions.
Background and Context
The realm of robotics has undergone a major transformation as of late, expanding beyond its conventional use in industry to encompass diverse areas such as healthcare, education, entertainment, and even personal support. At the core of this development lies human-robot interaction (HRI), an essential concept in creating robots that can seamlessly collaborate and engage with humans in different settings. As robots continue to be integrated into our daily routines, the standard of their interaction with humans becomes a crucial factor, pushing for the advancement of capabilities beyond basic task completion.
Motivation for the Study
Despite the considerable advances in equipping robots with enhanced functional abilities such as perception, manipulation, and decision-making, there is an evident disparity in their proficiency to comprehend and respond to human emotions. Emotional intelligence, a crucial element in human social interaction, plays a vital role in promoting effective and harmonious communication. By incorporating emotional intelligence into robotic systems, we have the potential to transform the dynamics of human-robot collaboration, paving the way for more authentic, instinctive, and compassionate interactions.
The inspiration for this conceptual study arises from a gap that we have identified in current HRI research. There is a pressing need to investigate the integration of emotional intelligence to improve human-robot cooperation. By delving into this uncharted territory, our goal is to establish a foundation for future advancements that can greatly enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of collaborative robotic systems in a wide range of applications. The study has two main aims: firstly, to delve into the relationship between emotional intelligence and human-robot collaboration, and to uncover the potential advantages and hurdles of incorporating emotional intelligence into robotic systems. Secondly, it aims to put forward a conceptual framework that enhances the cognitive and affective abilities of robots, equipping them to accurately comprehend, interpret, and react to human emotions in the moment. By pursuing these objectives, this research aims to not only enhance the theoretical underpinnings of human-robot collaboration but also pave the way for the creation of emotionally intelligent robots that facilitate more intuitive and empathetic interactions with humans.