Applications of Mobile Robot Navigation and Human-Computer Interaction

Dear Colleagues,

Mobile robot navigation and human–computer interaction (HCI) are two intertwined fields that have revolutionized various industries and everyday life. The application of mobile robot navigation involves the autonomous movement of robots in both structured and unstructured environments, enabling them to perform tasks and interact with their surroundings. On the other hand, HCI focuses on the interaction between humans and computers or robotic systems, aiming to enhance usability and user experience. The applications of mobile robot navigation and HCI are diverse and impactful. In industrial settings, mobile robots equipped with advanced navigation capabilities can automate tedious and repetitive tasks, such as material handling in warehouses, reducing human effort and increasing efficiency. These robots use techniques such as simultaneous localization and map** (SLAM) to navigate through dynamic environments while avoiding obstacles. In healthcare, mobile robots integrated with HCI technologies play a crucial role. They can assist in patient care by delivering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing companionship to elderly or disabled individuals. HCI techniques enable natural and intuitive communication between humans and robots, allowing patients to interact with the robots through speech, gestures, or touch interfaces. Another prominent application is in the realm of autonomous vehicles. Mobile robot navigation techniques, combined with HCI principles, contribute to the development of self-driving cars. These vehicles rely on sensor fusion, computer vision, and advanced algorithms to perceive the environment, plan optimal routes, and ensure safe navigation.

Overall, the applications of mobile robot navigation and HCI are diverse and rapidly expanding, enabling automation, improving human–robot interaction, and enhancing various industries and aspects of daily life. The ongoing advancements in these fields hold the potential to bring about further innovations and transform the way we interact with robotic systems.

Dr. Mónica Ballesta Galdeano
Guest Editor

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• mobile robot navigation
• human-computer interaction
• computer vision
• deep learning
• map**
• sensors
• perception
• path planning
• scene recognition
• autonomous transportation
• self-driving cars
• healthcare
• industrial automation
• delivery robots
• search and rescue