Human-Robot Teaming

Universitetet i Agder
  • 4,8 (4)
  • Tecnologia

Robots are no longer confined to factories or research labs. They are in our hospitals, our industries, our public spaces, and increasingly, in our homes. Among Us: Human-Robot Teaming is a podcast exploring what happens when humans and intelligent machines work together. Hosted by Professor Filippo Sanfilippo, this series brings together leading international researchers, engineers, innovators, and thinkers to discuss the technical, cognitive, ethical, and societal dimensions for different levels of human-robot collaboration. Each episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of designing robotic systems that are not just autonomous but collaborative. This is not about science fiction. It is about trust, shared control, responsibility, and the future of teamwork. Through thoughtful, coffee-style conversations, the podcast highlights cutting-edge research while making complex ideas accessible to students, academics, industry professionals, and anyone curious about how intelligent systems are reshaping our world. Because robots are no longer tools at the margins. They are among us.

  1. 7 ott

    How a University Startup Turned Haptics Into Real-World Robot Control

    Human-Robot Teaming, Touch, and the Rise of Wearable HapticsThis episode explores how tactile feedback can make teleoperation more natural, safer, and more effective, and why touch is becoming central to human-robot teaming. Host Filippo Sanfilippo speaks with Guido Gioioso, CEO and co-founder of WEART, about moving haptic interfaces from university research into real products for XR, teleoperation, and shared autonomy. GuestsGuido GioiosoCEO and co-founder of WEART, with a background in robotics, automation, and haptics Filippo SanfilippoHost and professor at the University of Agder, Norway Key topicsFrom lab research to startup realityGuido shares how WEART grew out of the University of Siena, where the team worked on human hand sensing, wearable interfaces, prosthetics, and robotic manipulation. Why touch was the missing channelIn teleoperation, visual and audio feedback alone cannot reliably convey force, contact, texture, temperature, or stiffness.Guido explains that the skin is a high-bandwidth communication channel that is often underused in human-robot interaction. How WEART products render multiple sensationsThe company’s TouchDiver Pro glove uses six contact points and can deliver forces, vibration-based texture cues, and thermal feedback.Guido describes how these channels can be combined or used independently depending on the task. XR as the first market, robotics as the returnWEART initially focused on VR and AR use cases such as training, safety, edutainment, medical, industrial, and design applications.The company is now moving back into robotics as humanoids and teleoperation gain momentum. Embodiment through hapticsGuido argues that touch helps transform teleoperation from “using a tool” into feeling like “inhabiting a body” at a distance.This reduces cognitive load and makes remote work feel more transparent and natural. Shared autonomy instead of perfect one-to-one replicationBoth speakers discuss a middle ground between full autonomy and full human control.The robot can handle navigation, orientation, and obstacle avoidance while the human operator makes higher-level and final millimeter-level decisions. Teleoperation as a training tool and a final use caseIn some scenarios, teleoperation is used to teach robots tasks so they can later act autonomously.In others, such as medical, nuclear, offshore, and high-risk industrial settings, teleoperation itself is the end goal. Real-world deployments and safetyGuido mentions applications where humans cannot safely enter, such as high-voltage maintenance and hazardous environments.The robotic system acts as a physical twin or extension of the operator, keeping humans central while improving safety. The real challenge is usabilityGuido stresses that successful products must be comfortable, fast to wear, robust, repeatable, and practical for long sessions.The market rewards reliability and ease of use more than lab-grade peak performance. The future of human-robot teamsThe conversation ends on a vision of robots as extensions of human capabilities, not replacements.The long-term goal is remote access to physical work, with reduced risk, lower cost, and less unnecessary travel. Timestamps00:00 - Introducing the podcast and today’s guest, Guido Gioioso 03:03 - WEART’s roots in Siena and the move from research to company building 04:53 - Starting in XR before returning to teleoperation and robotics 08:16 - Why touch adds essential information in remote manipulation 10:29 - Embodiment as the difference between a tool and a body 14:24 - TouchDiver Pro: a five-finger glove with six haptic contact points 15:25 - Using force, vibration, and thermal cues together in teleoperation 17:16 - How teleoperation helps train robots for autonomy 19:03 - Remote work in hazardous environments where autonomy is not enough 20:37 - Shared forces, shared space, and shared decisions in teaming 21:57 - Why shared autonomy is more realistic than perfect replication 23:48 - Using tactile feedback for informed, natural control loops 24:42 - Technical challenges: sensors, actuators, latency, and network quality 27:07 - Why comfort, ergonomics, battery life, and repeatability matter most 31:02 - A future of robots as extensions of human bodies 32:28 - Social and environmental benefits of remote physical work 33:53 - Closing thoughts on teaming and human-machine coexistence Notable quotes“The sense of touch was the missing part.” “Embodiment means transforming something from a tool to be used to a body that you can inhabit.” “We believe in robots that are extensions of human bodies, not replications of human bodies.” WEART:https://weart.it/

  2. 23 set

    The Hidden Intelligence Inside Robot Mechanics

    This episode explores how mechanical design can do more than support robotics, it can shape intelligence, adaptability, and even communication in human-robot teaming (HRT). Professor Filippo Sanfilippo is joined by Dr. Monica Malvezzi, professor of applied mechanics at the University of Siena, for a conversation about contact-rich interaction, embodied intelligence, and why robots should be designed to work with humans rather than around them. Key topicsIn this episode, Filippo introduces Monica Malvezzi's work at the intersection of mechanics, robotics, haptics, grasping, dexterous manipulation, wearable robotics, and human-robot interaction.Monica explains why robotics should move beyond the old "divide and conquer" mindset and treat structure, sensing, and control as a blended system.We discuss the shift from avoiding contact to exploiting contact as a useful part of human-robot teamwork.Monica describes how physical contact can support both task execution and communication, including work inspired by human handshaking.The conversation looks at embodied intelligence and the idea that some intelligence can be placed in the robot's mechanics through compliance, morphology, and passive adaptability.Monica highlights how new materials, new manufacturing methods, and 3D printing make it easier to design robots that adapt to uncertainty.Filippo and Monica discuss shared autonomy, where control can shift between human and robot depending on the task and the situation.Monica gives examples from handshaking and dance-inspired interaction to show that collaboration does not always mean a strict leader-follower relationship.The episode also examines the human side of teaming, including stress, psychology, and human intention as essential factors in robot design.Monica closes with a future-facing view of robotics as a tool for solving problems in aging, disability, and sustainability rather than creating new social issues. Timestamps00:00 - Welcome to Human-Robot Teaming and introduction of Monica Malvezzi 01:17 - Monica's academic background and research across mechanics and robotics 03:16 - Soft hands, wearable robotics, and physical augmentation 05:11 - From avoiding contact to exploiting contact in teamwork 06:56 - Why robots should be designed as interacting team members 11:20 - Embodied intelligence and moving complexity into mechanics 13:25 - Structure and controller as a blended system 14:20 - New materials, design strategies, and 3D printing 16:48 - Sharing autonomy between human and machine 18:11 - Handshaking as mutual exchange rather than fixed leadership 19:09 - Dance-inspired interaction and shared responsibility 20:34 - Adaptive roles in unpredictable human-robot teams 21:02 - Why human psychology and stress matter in robot teaming 23:36 - Three ingredients for human-robot teaming: mechanics, actuators, algorithms 24:26 - Monica's vision for the future of robotics 27:37 - Final thanks and Monica's closing remarks Notable quotes"Can physical contact become a communication channel between humans and machines?""The structure and the controller are no more something that are completely separated.""Robotic robots can become a solution of our problems without being an issue."

  3. 26 ago

    Why Touch Is the Missing Language of Human-Robot Teaming

    In this episode, Filippo Sanfilippo is joined by Claudio Pacchierotti, a CNRS researcher at IRISA and an expert in haptics, wearable interfaces, robotic teleoperation, and shared control. They explore how touch can become a communication channel between humans and machines, and why haptic feedback matters for safer, more intuitive human-robot teaming.We discuss how autonomy can shift fluidly between humans and robots depending on task difficulty, confidence, and environmental uncertainty, plus where wearable haptics are heading next and which applications stand to benefit most. Key topicsFilippo Sanfilippo introduces human-robot teaming as the next step beyond human-robot interaction and collaboration, where humans and robots share space, forces, and decisions.Claudio explains haptics as a communication channel that adds a physical layer to human-machine interaction, making control more natural and safe.We discuss why touch is still underexplored compared with vision and audio, even though it becomes critical when humans and robots physically interact.Claudio describes shared control and shifting autonomy, where the robot takes on more or less of the task depending on confidence, task difficulty, and sensor quality.The episode looks at how haptic feedback supports situational awareness without overloading the visual channel.Claudio explains why wearable haptics matter for teleoperation and training, especially when natural dexterity must be preserved.We discuss cutaneous haptics such as vibration, skin stretch, pressure, and temperature, and how these can be combined with vision and audio.Claudio highlights practical application areas including drone fleets, humanoid robots, hospitals, logistics, medicine, space, defense, delivery, and factories.The conversation closes on the idea of human-centered robotics, where robots empower humans rather than replace them. Timestamps00:00 - Introducing Claudio Pacchierotti and the idea of human-robot teaming 00:32 - Claudio’s background in haptics, wearable interfaces, and shared control 01:31 - Why touch matters in human-machine interaction 03:05 - From human-robot collaboration to shared space, forces, and decisions 04:09 - Haptics as a communication channel between humans and robots 06:26 - Shared control for complex systems like humanoid robots and drone fleets 08:26 - How haptic feedback improves situational awareness during control 09:56 - Why touch can convey physical and abstract information without visual overload 11:15 - Shifting autonomy based on task difficulty and confidence 13:10 - Using shifting autonomy for training and complex robotic systems 15:17 - Cutaneous haptics, safe teleoperation, and keeping dexterity intact 17:22 - Combining vibration, pressure, skin stretch, and temperature 18:48 - Where human-robot teaming matters most in real-world applications 21:05 - Better actuators, sensors, algorithms, and haptic interfaces for teaming 23:13 - Why rich feedback improves trust, acceptance, and collaboration 24:56 - “Just enough haptics” and the future of wearable interfaces 27:12 - Human-centered robotics that empower rather than replace people 30:07 - Why the field is broad, multidisciplinary, and still expanding Notable quotes“Haptics as a way of communication between humans and cyber-physical systems.” “We believe in robots that can empower humans, not replace humans.” “Just enough haptics.”

  4. 12 ago

    Why Randomness Is the Secret Engine of Human-Robot Teaming

    Human-Robot Teaming, Randomness, and Why Statistics MatterIn this episode, Filippo Sanfilippo speaks with Professor Svein Olav Nyberg from the University of Agder about how statistics and probability sit at the center of human-robot teaming. They connect robotics to bachata dancing, human movement prediction, teaching, machine learning, and even dreams and consciousness.The conversation is wide-ranging, but the through line is clear: humans are not perfectly predictable, and good systems need to handle uncertainty rather than pretend it does not exist. Key topicsIn this episode: Filippo introduces Svein Olav Nyberg as a colleague, researcher, author of Bayesian Way, and one of the statistical foundations behind the group’s human-robot teaming work.The discussion defines human-robot teaming (HRT) as more than interaction or collaboration: humans and machines share space, forces, and intention, and the leader-follower role can shift depending on the task.Bachata dancing becomes the metaphor for control design, especially the idea that one partner leads while the other follows, and that those roles can sometimes be swapped.The hosts explain a Greek-letter autonomy parameter, alpha, which acts like a slider for delegating more or less control from human to robot.A major example is trajectory prediction in industrial settings, where synthetic human motion is generated instead of forcing real workers to repeat paths thousands of times.Svein Olav describes using an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process to model random motion with a pull back toward an intended path, including both position and velocity in two dimensions.The same movement data can support more than prediction: it can help slow robots near passing workers, adapt machine behavior to the workspace, identify operators by gait, and detect anomalies.Randomness becomes a recurring theme, from heart rate variability and walking patterns to art, teaching, and memory retention.Svein Olav shares how introducing randomness in lectures and exams can increase engagement and improve memory, because interest boosts retention.The conversation broadens to machine learning and statistics, with the point that statistics is the engine under the hood, especially when uncertainty matters more than a single output number.They discuss robotics moving from rigid white-box control toward hybrid systems that combine low-level motor and sensor control with statistical and machine learning methods.In the closing section, the guests reflect on future systems that can handle unexpected input, on pseudo-randomness in cryptography, and on whether machines might someday dream or feel emotions. Timestamps00:00 - Opening the episode and introducing the guest 01:21 - Why statistics matters for human-robot teaming 03:21 - From human-robot interaction to shared space, force, and intention 04:20 - Bachata as a metaphor for leader-follower control 05:47 - Swapping roles with AI during dance instruction 06:46 - The autonomy slider, alpha, in human-robot teaming 10:03 - Modeling human trajectories in industrial environments 11:00 - Generating synthetic humans instead of collecting exhausting real-world data 12:57 - Ornstein-Uhlenbeck motion modeling for position and velocity 14:23 - Using the same data for robot adaptation, identification, and anomaly detection 16:57 - Randomness, heart rate variability, and healthy human rhythms 19:42 - Random teaching, dice-based exams, and student engagement 21:29 - Why interest improves memory retention 23:30 - Statistics as the bridge between theory and practice in AI 24:56 - Why uncertainty matters more than a single machine learning output 27:24 - Bridging traditional robotics with statistics and machine learning 28:14 - Randomness in cryptography and pseudo-random number generators 30:26 - A football example that unexpectedly became a teaching tool 33:11 - Dreams, hallucinations, and whether machines can interpret or have dreams 34:49 - Blade Runner, consciousness, and synthetic beings 37:26 - The future is more open because systems must handle the unexpected 39:10 - Closing thoughts, karaoke, and the episode sign-off Key frameworksHuman-robot teamingShared spaceShared forcesShared intentionAutonomy sliderA controllable degree of delegation between human and robotOrnstein-Uhlenbeck processRandom motion with a tendency to return toward a target stateStatistics under the hoodMachine learning is powerful, but statistics explains uncertainty and credibility Notable quotes"The future is far more open than we actually believe it is." "Statistics is the engine" behind machine learning. "We share space, we share forces, and we finally also share intention."

  5. 29 lug

    How Imitation Learning Turns Robots Into Skilled Learners - Like Toddlers Breaking Eggs to Learn

    Join us for an enlightening discussion with PhD candidate Martin Økter about the forefront of human-robot teaming (HRT). We delve into how touch, machine learning, simulation, and safety are shaping the future of robotics across industries such as automotive recycling, healthcare, and space exploration. Main Topics:The role of haptics and touch in enhancing human-robot interactionImitation learning and simulation for robot training and safetyModular robotics architectures and ROS for complex applicationsFuture implications and societal benefits of collaborative robotsPractical insights for aspiring researchers and industry leaders Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to human-robot teaming and Martin Økter 00:30 - The significance of haptics and the senses in robotics 01:02 - Applications of HRT in battery disassembly processes 01:33 - The shift from humans teaching robots to joint teamwork 02:02 - Using machine learning and imitation learning in robots 02:31 - The importance of tactile feedback and learning through testing 03:01 - Augmented surgical aid: reducing reliance on cadavers 03:30 - Designing scalable robotic systems with ROS 04:11 - Modular control architectures for complex disassembly tasks 04:49 - Simulation environments like Nvidia's IsaacSim for training robots 05:20 - Safety constraints and merging traditional control with machine learning 06:00 - Challenges and opportunities in long-term robot deployment 06:45 - Future scenarios: robotic applications in medical and industrial sectors 07:30 - The importance of continuous learning and exploration in robotics 08:10 - Advice for young researchers: passion, curiosity, and perseverance 08:50 - The societal role of collaborative robots and ethical considerations 09:40 - Concluding thoughts: a future driven by human-robot collaboration Resources & Links:Nvidia IsaacSim - Nvidia's physics-based simulation platformRobot Operating System (ROS) - Modular framework for robot software development Connect with Martin Økter:LinkedIn Join us on this journey to the future of collaborative robotics, where humans and machines support each other, overcoming challenges and unlocking new potentials!

  6. 15 lug

    The Hidden Power of Perception: How Multilevel Sensing Shapes Human-Robot Teaming

    Human-Robot Teaming, Artificial Intelligence, Perception, Art and Mathematics, Unsupervised Learning, Future of Robotics, Art and AI, Perception and Language, Creativity in AI Exploring Human-Robot Teaming, Perception, and Artistic Innovation with Professor Marius LeordeanuDive into a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Marius Leordeanu as he discusses the intersection of robotics, perception, art, and mathematics. Discover how AI is transforming our understanding of perception, elevating human creativity, and inspiring new ways to live and collaborate with machines. Main Topics Covered:The essence of human-robot teaming: sharing space, forces, and decisionsThe deep connection between mathematics, poetry, art, and perceptionThe role of perception at multiple levels: sensors, semantics, and consciousnessInnovations in real-time art creation using AI and diffusion modelsThe philosophical perspective: AI as an extension, not a replacement, of humanityHow AI and robotics enhance creativity, exploration, and understanding of the worldThe importance of mathematics in technology and AI developmentThe future of multimodal interfaces integrating sight, sound, touch, and potentially taste and smellEthical considerations: security, trust, and the role of AI in societyThe concept of perception with intention and its significance in human-robot interaction Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to Human-Robot Teaming: Collaboration in shared space and decision-making(02:00) - Professor Marius Leordeanu's background: Robotics, mathematics, and AI research(04:26) - From snake robots to search-and-rescue: Practical applications of robotics in extreme environments(06:10) - The intersection of mathematics, art, and perception: Deep analogies and metaphors(08:53) - Robots as extensions of human senses and capabilities: Transcendence through automation(12:24) - AI as a tool for increasing human consciousness and creativity(14:32) - The concept of teaming: robotics as a partnership, not a replacement(16:57) - The importance of perception at multiple levels for human-robot interaction(23:19) - The challenge of understanding metaphors: language, vision, and context in AI systems(25:43) - The connection between language and perception: building a unified understanding(31:16) - Limitations of humanoid robots and the importance of context and imitation in machine understanding(35:32) - The evolution of human-centered technology: smartphones and multimodal interfaces(38:29) - The role of mathematics and linear algebra in AI and perception(41:11) - Moving beyond pattern recognition: AI's potential to understand life, consciousness, and purpose(45:09) - Perception with intention: AI as a tool for serving human and societal goals(50:04) - Mathematics as the foundation of understanding our universe and AI's role in future innovations(54:45) - Art, AI, and the Smile Project: Creating interactive art responding to human emotions(69:40) - Artistic storytelling and virtual reality: Using AI for immersive narrative experiences(77:29) - Flying robots and extended perception: Exploring new frontiers in aerial AI systems(82:41) - Gratitude, inspiration, and calls to action for the future of AI and robotics Resources & Links:Carnegie Mellon UniversityNorwegian Research Centre (NORCE)Simeon Stoilov Institute of Mathematics Connect with Professor Marius Leordeanu:LinkedIn Join us for a visionary exploration into how AI is transforming perception, art, and human-robot collaboration, and what this means for our future society. Don't miss the final inspiring message from Professor Marius Leordeanu about elevating humanity through technology.

  7. 1 lug

    From Disabilities to Superheroes: The Vision of Human-Robot Teaming That Augment Humans

    Human-Robot Teaming: Innovations in Exoskeletons and Haptic Interfaces with Professor Mihai DragusanuExplore how advanced robotics, soft actuators, and intuitive haptic interfaces are revolutionizing healthcare, rehabilitation, and industrial environments through collaborative human-robot teaming. In this episode, Professor Mihai Dragusanu shares insights into developing wearable exoskeletons, integrating AI for intention detection, and envisioning the future of multi-agent robotics.Key topics The evolution from rigid to soft exoskeletons and their benefits for usability and safetyThe role of AI and advanced sensors in understanding human intentionsThe importance of haptic feedback for trust and control in human-robot interactionModular and customizable robotic systems for personalized rehabilitationFuture perspectives on environment-aware exoskeletons communicating with other cobots and humansThe societal impact of wearable robotics: from disability mitigation to superhuman capabilitiesReusing design principles like AI integration across various robotic applicationsThe vision of collaborative, community-based rehabilitation and industrial work environmentsPhilosophical implications of technology extending human abilities beyond disabilities Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Professor Mihai Dragusanu and the theme of human-robot teaming 02:41 - Mihai’s research background in exoskeletons and soft robotics 04:37 - Achievements and recognition at ICRA for innovative exoskeleton research 07:01 - Core enabling technologies: sensors, actuators, and adaptive algorithms 09:02 - How personal disability experiences drive Mihai’s research focus 11:18 - Transition from rigid to soft exoskeletons and the development of twist string actuators 14:41 - Combining soft and rigid elements for powerful, lightweight exoskeletons 17:25 - Disabling vs. augmenting capabilities through wearable technology 19:17 - The significance of intuitive haptic interfaces for trust and control 20:09 - Personal experience with haptic feedback during robotic demonstrations 26:37 - Rehabilitation applications: modular, personalized, AI-driven exoskeletons 29:13 - Tele-rehabilitation and AI for intent recognition in therapy 31:20 - Wearable haptics and tactile feedback in healthcare and industrial tasks 33:04 - Future visions: environment-aware, multi-user, and community-based exoskeleton systems 35:44 - Shifting paradigms from one-to-one to many-to-many human-robot collaboration 40:20 - Envisioning a future where disabilities are integrated into the technological fabric of society 43:01 - Final reflections and upcoming collaborations, including conferences and esteemed colleaguesResources & Links Domenico Praticizzo - Collaborator Connect with Mihai Dragusanu LinkedIn This episode delves into cutting-edge research, philosophical reflections, and future visions that underscore the transformative potential of collaborative robotics rooted in soft, intuitive, and adaptive systems. Whether in healthcare or industry, the message is clear: technology today aims to extend human capabilities and foster inclusive, dynamic, and resilient team environments.

  8. 28 giu

    Special Episode from the 40th ECMS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation (ECMS 2026)

    In this special episode recorded for the 40th ECMS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation (ECMS) in Grimstad, Norway, we bring together three perspectives on the future of simulation, AI, and human-centered robotics. From supply chain digital twins and agentic AI to wearable robotic devices and human-robot teaming in battery disassembly, this episode highlights how modeling and simulation are shaping practical innovation across research and industry. Featured TalksProf. Dr. Dr. habil. Dmitry Ivanov“Supply chain simulation, agentic AI and digital twins: from theory to use cases and implementation blueprints” Prof. Monica Malvezzi“The Role Of Simulation In The Design Of Wearable Robotic Devices: A Human-Centered Perspective With Modular Gloves And Twisted String Actuators” Prof. Filippo Sanfilippo and Cecilia Scoccia“Imitation Learning For Human–robot Teaming In Battery Disassembly: Enabling Technologies and a Collaborative Manipulation Pipeline” What You’ll LearnHow simulation supports resilient and intelligent supply chainsWhy digital twins and agentic AI are becoming central to implementation blueprintsHow human-centered design informs the next generation of wearable robotic devicesHow imitation learning can enable human-robot teaming in complex disassembly tasksThe broader role of modeling and simulation in advancing Industry 4.0 and beyond Conference ContextThis episode is connected to the proceedings of the 40th ECMS International Conference on Modelling and Simulation, Grimstad, Norway, June 23rd to 26th, 2026.CreditsECMS

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Descrizione

Robots are no longer confined to factories or research labs. They are in our hospitals, our industries, our public spaces, and increasingly, in our homes. Among Us: Human-Robot Teaming is a podcast exploring what happens when humans and intelligent machines work together. Hosted by Professor Filippo Sanfilippo, this series brings together leading international researchers, engineers, innovators, and thinkers to discuss the technical, cognitive, ethical, and societal dimensions for different levels of human-robot collaboration. Each episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of designing robotic systems that are not just autonomous but collaborative. This is not about science fiction. It is about trust, shared control, responsibility, and the future of teamwork. Through thoughtful, coffee-style conversations, the podcast highlights cutting-edge research while making complex ideas accessible to students, academics, industry professionals, and anyone curious about how intelligent systems are reshaping our world. Because robots are no longer tools at the margins. They are among us.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Universitetet i Agder
  • Anni di attività
    2026
  • Puntate
    19
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti adatti a tutti
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Universitetet i Agder
  • Sito web del podcast
    Human-Robot Teaming