Emotion-Adaptive Robot Task Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot control systems do not consider users' emotional data to dynamically change or adapt a robot's mission or provide suitable explanations for its actions, leading to undesirable situations and impacting human-robot relationships and brand trust.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented robot control method that extracts robot and user emotional state data to configure and reconfigure the sequence of tasks based on changing emotional states, providing explanations that take into account both environmental and emotional variables to enhance user experience and relationship.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the robot performs tasks according to a fixed sequence to achieve high-level goals, then task completion efficiency is improved, but user satisfaction and emotional response deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask completion efficiencyVSAvoiduser satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot dynamically adjusts its task execution sequence based on real-time detection of user emotional states. The system transitions from a fixed, predetermined task sequence to a flexible, adaptive sequence that responds to user feedback, thereby maintaining productivity while improving user satisfaction through emotionally intelligent behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the robot continuously monitors user emotional states through sensors and cameras, processes this information, and adjusts its task execution accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the robot to adapt its behavior to user needs, resolving the contradiction between efficient task completion and user satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the robot executes a predetermined sequence of actions, then mission accomplishment is improved, but adaptability to user emotional needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemission accomplishmentVSAvoidadaptability to user emotional needs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot employs dynamic task reconfiguration that allows it to maintain core mission objectives while adapting the sequence and timing of actions based on user emotional states. This dynamic approach ensures reliable mission accomplishment while simultaneously providing adaptability to user needs through real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as task execution timing, sequence ordering, and action duration based on detected user emotional states. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the robot maintains mission reliability while adapting to user emotional needs, resolving the contradiction between predetermined execution and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If the robot provides detailed explanations of its actions, then user understanding is improved, but communication complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser understandingVSAvoidcommunication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot provides differentiated explanations tailored to the specific context and user emotional state. Rather than providing uniform detailed explanations for all actions, the system adapts the level and type of explanation locally based on what is most relevant to the current situation and user needs, reducing overall communication complexity while maintaining understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides explanations selectively rather than for every action. By offering partial explanations only when most beneficial for user understanding based on emotional state detection, the robot reduces communication complexity while still achieving the goal of improving user understanding of critical actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10220517B2System, method and computer program product for controlling a mission-oriented robot based on a user's emotional state
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10220517B2 patent drawing
  • US10220517B2 patent drawing
  • US10220517B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot control method, system, and computer program product, include extracting robot data from the robot and user emotional state data of a user interacting with the robot, configuring a mission of a robot comprising a sequence of a plurality of tasks based on the robot data and the user emotional state data, and reconfiguring an order of the sequence of the plurality of tasks if a change in the user emotional state data is detected.