Culture and Human-Robot Interaction in Militarized Spaces: A War Story

by Julie Carpenter

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel are some of the most highly trained people in the military, with a job description that spans defusing unexploded ordnance to protecting VIP's and state dignitaries. EOD are also one of the first military groups to work with robots every day. These robots have become an increasingly important tool in EOD work, enabling people to work at safer distances in many dangerous situations. Based on exploratory research investigating interactions between EOD personnel and the robots they use, this study richly describes the nuances of these reciprocal influences, especially those related to operator emotion associated with the robots. In particular, this book examines the activities, processes and contexts that influence or constrain everyday EOD human-robot interactions, what human factors are shaping the (robotic) technology and how people and culture are being changed by using it. The findings from this research have implications for future personnel training, and the refinement of robot design considerations for many fields that rely on critical small group communication and decision-making skills.

188 pages, Hardcover

Published December 11, 2015

Reviews

[Laura Ostermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and insightful read about human - robot interaction/use pertaining to EOD personnel. As we become more and more intertwined with robots in our day to day lives, this book really gives the reader a better understanding of this ever evolving relationship.