Future tasks of research in robotics

Summary form only given. It is expected that, to meet the needs of an aging population, “humanoid”-type home robots will be developed to assist the elderly, as well as to facilitate domestic chores. In addition, many researchers are interested in automatic automobile operation systems as a type of mobile robot, which will continue to increase in importance in the future. It is important for these robots to recognize the intentions of their human partners, and adjust their movements accordingly. This function is necessary to ensure safe and efficient travel in the case of automobiles; or to work with users and enhance their convenience in the case of home robots. Conventional robots performing only programmed movements cannot be provided with this function. A chain of questions arise in connection with this point: how can a robot recognize the intention of its human partner? what is an appropriate signal for the robot? how can the robot predict the movement of its partner and react to his/her intention? To answer these questions, it is necessary to research and develop mechanisms and control logics surpassing those of conventional robots. Moreover, this effort must cover the entire operation process, comprising sensing, reasoning and movement. The paper discusses the background of research in robotics, and its present status and tasks