An agent-based architecture for an adaptive human-robot interface

This paper describes an innovative agent-based architecture for mixed-initiative interaction between a human and a robot that interacts via a graphical user interface (GUI). Mixed-initiative interaction typically refers to a flexible interaction strategy between a human and a computer to contribute what is best-suited at the most appropriate time (Allen, 1999). In this paper, we extend this concept to human-robot interaction (HRI). When compared to pure human-computer interaction, HRIs encounter additional difficulty, as the user must assess the situation at the robot's remote location via limited sensory feedback. We propose an agent-based adaptive human-robot interface for mixed-initiative interaction to address this challenge. The proposed adaptive user interface (UI) architecture provides a platform for developing various agents that control robots and user interface components (UICs). Such components permit the human and the robot to communicate mission-relevant information.