Midas touch - chunking information on a robotic user interface using spatial and functional metaphor

In this paper, a robotic user interface (RUI) as an information management system is described. There have been numerous studies regarding 2D- or 3D-based GUIs that attempt to overcome the disadvantages of a hierarchal structure in information handling. Here, the GUI system is extended to RUI in a technique that enhances its capacity to store and recall by exploiting a spatial/functional association between semantic categories and body parts. A robot resembling a bear was implemented for the evaluation of this association. Experimental results revealed that information can be clustered on a specific body part with statistical significance. Information storage and retrieval becomes easier because there is no need for maintenance or memorization of a location in which specific information is stored. In addition, the fact that a robotic interface can be used in parallel with an existing desktop-based system enhances work efficiency.