Work

Perceived safety during human-robot interaction with an autonomous mobile robot

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are being rapidly implemented in the manufacturing and warehousing industries. Research could help enhance our understanding of human workers' safety perceptions and behaviors when interacting with AMRs, enabling the improvement of collision-avoidance strategies and criteria for safer interactions. In this study, we examined the effects of AMR shelf height, movement speed, and trajectory path on perceived safety, mental workload, robot trust, proxemic behaviors, and task performance during a simulated loading/unloading task. Overall, AMR speed and trajectory path had the largest impact on the task outcomes, while there was minimal variation across height conditions. Findings from this research can be considered for the design of AMRs and facilities that utilize them.

Source: Applied Ergonomics

DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2026.104747

Authors: Justin M. Haney, Douglas Ammons, HeeSun Choi

Institutions: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Texas Tech University

Language: English

Topic: Social Robot Interaction and HRI

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400

Funders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health