Addressing Accessibility Issues with Sidewalk Robots

Sidewalk robots are becoming more popular around the world, but their presence on public sidewalks can create problems for people with mobility disabilities. These individuals often face difficulties due to limited Accessibility features in the environment, such as curb cuts. To understand these challenges, we interviewed 15 individuals with mobility disabilities (PwMD) to learn how they view sidewalk robots. Our findings show that many PwMD feel they have to compete for space on the sidewalk when these robots are present. We also spoke with eight robotics experts to learn about their views on accessibility. Their responses suggested that many companies only think about access issues after problems arise. Both groups emphasized the need for designing robots with accessibility in mind from the start.

To address these issues, we held four Co-design Workshops where PwMD worked together with robotics practitioners. These sessions focused on the needs of people with disabilities while discussing how robots can operate in public spaces. Our research sets a foundation for a more inclusive future regarding public service robots.

#The Rise of Sidewalk Robots

As companies like FedEx, Starship, and Uber Eats experiment with sidewalk robots for delivering goods, regulations in places like Pennsylvania have classified these robots as "pedestrians," granting them similar rights. However, the introduction of these robots onto sidewalks raises concerns since most individuals who encounter them will not use them but are simply passersby. Among these bystanders are PwMD, including wheelchair users, whose needs must be considered as robots become more common.

Research indicates that sidewalk robots can sometimes create new barriers for people with disabilities. For example, one wheelchair user experienced a dangerous situation when a robot stopped in a curb cut, blocking their path. After sharing their experience online, the robot company temporarily suspended the robot's operations. This incident highlighted the misunderstanding prevalent in society regarding the challenges PwMD face when interacting with these robots.

#The Conflict of Space

A major concern expressed by our interview participants was the limited space on sidewalks, which can become even scarcer as robots share this area. PwMD reported feeling trapped or forced to adjust their routes or take risks when trying to navigate around sidewalk robots. Suggestions to cope included traveling on uneven grass, ducking into side streets, or even backing up to allow the robots to pass. These actions can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating a wheelchair. As one participant noted, "If I need to get off the sidewalk, will I be able to get back on again?"

#Need for Communication

To prevent conflicts, all interviewed PwMD highlighted the importance of clear communication from sidewalk robots. Many felt that if robots could announce their movements, like when turning or approaching, it would reassure them. Voice alerts, simple beeps, and visual signals were suggested to help indicate the robot's intentions. However, some participants pointed out that visual communication could be tricky due to the robot's size or height. There were also concerns about misinterpreting simple symbols displayed on the robots.

#Robot Recognition

Many PwMD expressed concerns about whether sidewalk robots would recognize them and adapt their behaviors accordingly. Participants expressed the desire for robots to acknowledge their presence, especially when navigating with mobility aids like wheelchairs. For instance, participants wanted reassurance that robots could detect when someone is traveling at a slower pace and alter their routes to accommodate them. Yet, some raised the question of how effectively robots could learn to understand various mobility aids and the unique ways they are used.

#Voices and Touchpoints

Our findings showed that participants preferred certain types of interactions with robots. Voice communication was frequently mentioned as an effective way for PwMD to express their needs. Participants indicated they should have the ability to ask the robot to move or redirect its path if necessary. Some even noted the importance of casual, friendly interactions, likening their expectations to those they would share with ordinary pedestrians.

#Future Robot Functions

Many participants expressed that sidewalk robots should offer more than just delivery services. Some participants suggested alternative functions, such as snow-clearing robots or those that could provide information about dangerous conditions on the streets, were met with enthusiasm. Others pointed out that robots could alert them about obstacles or assist in navigating through busy or hazardous areas.

#Importance of Engagement

Overall, participants stressed the importance of direct engagement with PwMD during the design process of sidewalk robots. They argued that having users involved from the beginning could help ensure the robots are truly usable and helpful. Sharing their experiences could guide manufacturers to create robots that accommodate disabilities better rather than retrofitting features after launching a product.

#Insights from Robotics Practitioners

While gathering insights from PwMD, we also focused on robotics practitioners who design and develop these machines. They discussed several barriers that prevent better accessibility in Robot Designs. Many companies prioritize projects that offer the highest impact on the largest number of people, often sidelining accessibility issues.

Practitioners expressed a need for engaging with PwMD from the onset of a project rather than waiting for problems to arise. They acknowledged that working together from the start could foster a better understanding of accessibility challenges and lead to incorporating effective solutions.

#Co-Design Workshops

To further bridge the gap between the two groups, we held co-design workshops where PwMD and robotics practitioners could collaborate on developing public robots that are accessible. The goal was to create robots that could effectively help people with disabilities while enhancing public welfare. Participants brainstormed various robot designs, including delivery trucks, grocery helpers, crosswalk guides, and snow-clearing machines.

Throughout these workshops, participants frequently revisited and revised their concepts. As they worked together, they uncovered numerous accessibility needs while navigating discussions around technical possibilities.

#Collaborative Design Outcomes

The collaborative efforts resulted in innovative robot designs aimed at improving accessibility. Each workshop produced unique ideas: a cargo-carrying robot that could adjust its height to assist people of different heights, a grocery robot that aids in retrieval of items from high shelves, a crosswalk robot that ensures safe street crossings, and a snowplow robot built to clear pathways during hazardous winter conditions.

Each robot concept emerged from genuine conversations about the experiences and needs of PwMD, illustrating that there is great potential for robots to offer meaningful help.

#Key Accessibility Needs

Across the workshops, three main areas of accessibility needs emerged. The first was the necessity for support in carrying heavy or cumbersome items while moving about the world. The second area revolved around the desire for effective communication methods, such as voice and touch-screen interfaces, which cater to varying user abilities. Finally, there was a shared need for robots that could help clear pathways and facilitate smoother navigation for PwMD in public spaces.

#Future Research Directions

While the specific robot designs may seem promising, they still require further exploration and testing in real-world situations. Our study shows that including PwMD in the design process can lead to accessible features, but continued research and collaborative design efforts are crucial for achieving successful outcomes.

Future research should focus on addressing the gaps between expectations and actual experiences in human-robot interactions. There is also a need to evaluate robot designs in diverse contexts, reflecting the needs of various populations, including those who might have different disabilities.

#Importance of Inclusive Design

It is crucial for robots to consider not only PwMD but also the broader community. When designing public robots, the needs of all sidewalk users must be taken into account in order to create an inclusive environment that benefits everyone. More extensive engagement with diverse user groups, including those with different types of disabilities, will help ensure that robots enhance accessibility rather than hinder it.

#Conclusion

Our research highlights the complex relationship between sidewalk robots and people with mobility disabilities. There is a clear need for collaborative efforts between robotics designers and PwMD to ensure that future robots are not just effective but also contribute positively to public life. With the right focus on accessibility, sidewalk robots have the potential to improve navigation and offer meaningful assistance, creating a more inclusive society for all.