Summary: taking the outputs of the previous work and based on the architectural concepts of WP2 aspects of the architecture will be implemented, tested and evaluated for feasibility with the end users to obtain early feedback. Finally end user usability, social and subjective satisfaction reactions to working with robots will be assessed.

CNRS/AIST will research mainly on virtualized mixed environments to be used as an intelligent filter for control of IST-robots (Task 3.1). UC3M will focus in the interface development of the IST-robotic systems in collaborative working environments. The partner will develop the software for wireless PDA based smart communication with the humanoids platforms. The user-friendly interface will take in account the features of the working environment and their social acceptance (Tasks 3.1 and 3.4). TUM will contribute to Task 3.2 by integrating psycho-physical findings into the usability analysis. We will analyse which interaction modalities are most important to achieve a good usability. This is an important step towards the definition of requirements. PLUS will lead the activities concerning the design of appropriate user interfaces, the evaluation of issues regarding human aspects from usability and user experience (Task 3.2) to acceptance (Task 3.3) to societal impacts (Task 3.4). Based on the evaluation results we will derive style guides and recommendations for the design of usable and social compliant IST-robotic systems. EPFL will work principally in Task 3.1 and will develop multi-modal interfaces for user-guided control of robots, exploiting PDA-based WiFi applications across various modalities (vision, speech and on-board robot controller), following requirement defined in WP1. Further, we will apply algorithms for local adaptation of robot’s controller to user-preference and for gesture recognition/interpretation developed at the Autonomous Systems Laboratory at EPFL. Dragados will participate in the analysis of the social impact of the collaborative working environment with IST-robotics over the workers and companies. The acceptance tests over different scenarios will do including environmental impact (Task 3.4). HP-EIC will lead task 3.5 which target the design and creation of the proper software support for ROBOT@CWE. Following the studies made in Task 2.1 the ROBOT@WORK will follow a service-oriented-architecture approach but informed about the peculiarities needed for this specific project. The work will start with the conception of an “Open Abstract Framework” (OAF) in order to ensure proper interoperability and standards-compliance. SAS will participate in this activity in Task 3.2 ensuring that the techniques defined in Task 1.2 are applied.