WPI Researchers Win $3M Award to Study Human-Robot Interaction in the Workplace

Onal said the research idea came from informal discussions with Yunus Telliel, assistant professor of humanities and arts and a co-principal investigator. Onal had been examining ways to integrate robotic technology in the workplace in a socially responsible way, and he had informal talks with Telliel, who was curious to understand how humans would respond to such robot technology in the workplace.

“In our discussions, we talked about the impact and what this means for the future of how we work,” said Onal. “For example, if the worker isn’t there physically, are they actually responsible for the actions of this robot? Could they still find meaning in their job? There are so many different aspects to consider.”

The pair then became aware of the NSF grant and learned that it also aligned with the NSF’s Big Ideas program, which includes a program called “Future of Work.”

“We learned about the grant and thought that this would be a great way to explore some of the ideas we discussed,” said Telliel. “This was a perfect opportunity for us as we’re trying to imagine a framework in which a truly transdisciplinary perspective informs the training of the next generation of technologists.”

Onal and Telliel acknowledged ongoing public debate as to whether robots will either take jobs away or allow existing workers to perform more advanced tasks. The researchers say that one of the grant’s premises is that the workplace will remain human-centric and that people will shape the success of human-robot collaboration. “The FORW-RD program anticipates the need for industry leaders who would be able to develop an integrated perspective on technological change, social impact, and economic consequences,” said Telliel.

The researchers have enlisted the support of additional WPI faculty who could add insights and value to the project. They are joined by three other co-principal investigators on the grant: Jing Xiao, head of the Robotics Engineering program; Jane Li, assistant professor of mechanical engineering; and Pratap Rao, associate professor of mechanical engineering.

Additionally, the research team includes three other WPI faculty: Soussan Djamasbi, professor of information systems in the Business School; Jeanine Skorinko, professor of psychology and director of the psychological science program; and Winston Soboyejo, provost and senior vice president. 

FORW-RD’s training activities will cultivate a breadth of interdisciplinary technical and professional skills, in addition to depth in one area of specialization. FORW-RD Thinking seminars will address ethical, social, economic, legal, and technical issues related to the use of robots in the workplace.

“We need to continually ask questions so that advisors and students can think about larger issues,” said Onal. “This program is not just about doing technology development and figuring out new algorithms. It’s about making sure the programs are perceived correctly and done right for everyone’s benefit.”