Research Focus
Pedestrian Guidance Using Nonverbal Communication by a Quadruped Robot
This study aims to develop a pedestrian guidance method using nonverbal communication by a quadruped robot. In addition to conventional speech-based guidance methods, intuitive communication through robot motion can enable smoother interaction between humans and robots. This research focuses on nonverbal expressions, such as gestures and gait changes. It proposes a method in which the robot presents appropriate movements based on the person being guided's situation. By doing so, the robot encourages pedestrians to follow it naturally without requiring them to understand complex instructions. The proposed method also considers safety and comfort during guidance, including avoiding physical collisions with other pedestrians and maintaining an appropriate interpersonal distance that does not cause psychological pressure. Through this approach, the study aims to reduce the burden on humans of adapting to robot-specific behavior and to realize safe, comfortable, and intuitive pedestrian guidance. In the future, this technology is expected to be applied to guidance systems in public facilities.