Assistive technologies have the potential to transform the way we interact with the world and with each other, including through human-robot interaction (HRI). In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using assistive technologies to improve HRI, particularly for individuals with disabilities. These technologies have the potential to support a range of goals, including enhancing communication, mobility, and independence, and have the potential to have a significant impact on quality of life. The goal of this special issue is to bring together researchers and practitioners from a variety of fields, including computer science, robotics, and assistive technology, to explore the latest developments in assistive technologies for HRI. We are interested in papers that examine how assistive technologies can be used to improve HRI, particularly for individuals with disabilities. We welcome papers that explore a range of topics, including but not limited to speech technology, tactile feedback, haptic interfaces for HRI, and the role of assistive technologies in promoting social connectedness and independence. By bringing together research and practice from various fields, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and practice in this area, as well as to identify areas for future research and development.
The special issue will include research articles, review articles, and case studies that explore the use of assistive technologies for HRI. We welcome papers that examine the use of various assistive technologies, including speech technology, tactile feedback, haptic interfaces, and other emerging technologies, for HRI. We are also interested in papers that explore the role of assistive technologies in promoting social connectedness and independence, as well as the ethical and regulatory considerations related to the use of assistive technologies for HRI. Other topics of interest may include the impact of assistive technologies on HRI outcomes and user satisfaction, the integration of assistive technologies into existing HRI systems, and the potential for assistive technologies to support the delivery of healthcare and other services through HRI.
Assistive technologies have the potential to transform the way we interact with the world and with each other, including through HRI. By bringing together research and practice from various fields, this special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and practice in this area, as well as to identify areas for future research and development. We welcome submissions from researchers and practitioners interested in exploring the latest developments in assistive technologies for HRI and their potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
