Industrial Cobot Sound Design Study : Audio Design Principles for Industrial Human-Robot Interaction

In the field of industrial robotics, collaborative robots (cobots) are revolutionizing interactions with their enhanced safety features and adaptability, allowing for more direct interactions. This study explores audio communication and interaction principles with cobots in industrial settings. It investigates the potentials of naturally occurring sounds and their usage, as well as relevant principles of sound generation, transmission, and perception. By designing prototype sounds and conducting blind testing sessions, insights into user preferences and understanding are gained. These insights finally inform guidelines for effective audio augmentation in cobot interactions, including considerations for integrating audio with other modalities. This research aims to propose concepts, and especially use and design principles for future audio implementations in cobot work.