Human Factors and Ergonomics in Human-Robot Interaction Design for Public Space Promote Perceived Safety

This chapter delves into the critical aspects of human factors and ergonomics in the design of human-robot interaction (HRI) systems for public spaces, with a strong emphasis on enhancing perceived safety. The text begins by outlining the current gaps in design requirements for HRI in public environments, highlighting the need for a systematic approach to address ethical, legal, performance, health, and safety aspects. A systematic literature review identifies key design factors and principles that contribute to improved interaction performance and human perception of safety. The chapter also explores the concept of work system design, which is fundamental for structuring and categorizing design factors identified in the literature. It discusses the importance of integrating suitable and robust characteristics of physical-technical performance and interactive features of robotic systems to foster high-quality interactions. Additionally, the text addresses the challenges and limitations of current research, emphasizing the need for further studies and practical implementations to ensure safe and effective HRI in public spaces. The findings are structured to inform the development of a robot competence and interaction test cluster for HRI in public space, providing a practical framework for future high-quality HRI design.