Type of Publication: Article in Collected Edition

Reflecting upon Participatory Design in Human-Robot Collaboration for People with Motor Disabilities: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Three Multiyear Projects

Author(s):

Arevalo Arboleda, Stephanie; Pascher, Max; Baumeister, Annalies; Klein, Barbara; Gerken, Jens

Title of Anthology:

The 14th PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments Conference

pages:

147-155

Publisher:

Association for Computing Machinery

Location(s):

New York, NY, USA

Publication Date:

2021

ISBN:

9781450387927

Keywords:

people with motor disabilities, human-robot collaboration, challenges and lessons learned, participatory design

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

doi:10.1145/3453892.3458044

Citation:

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Abstract

Human-robot technology has the potential to positively impact the lives of people with motor disabilities. However, current efforts have mostly been oriented towards technology (sensors, devices, modalities, interaction techniques), thus relegating the user and their valuable input to the wayside. In this paper, we aim to present a holistic perspective of the role of participatory design in Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) for People with Motor Disabilities (PWMD). We have been involved in several multiyear projects related to HRC for PWMD, where we encountered different challenges related to planning and participation, preferences of stakeholders, using certain participatory design techniques, technology exposure, as well as ethical, legal, and social implications. These challenges helped us provide five lessons learned that could serve as a guideline to researchers when using participatory design with vulnerable groups. In particular, early-career researchers who are starting to explore HRC research for people with disabilities.