Robotic user interface enabled interactive dialogue with intelligent spaces

Abstract

Users can communicate with ubiquitous computing environments by natural means such as voice communication. However, users of the Intelligent Room at MIT CSAIL, a ubiquitous environment, have reported dissatisfaction communicating with the room due to the absence of a focal point and the room's inability to hold a dialogue. To enrich the user's interactive experience, we integrated a Robotic User Interface to the room, and augmented the room's natural language system to enable it to hold dialogues with users. The robotic teddy bear serves two purposes. First, it acts as the focal point of the room which users can address. Second, it enables the room to physically communicate with users by robotic gestures. We also incorporated a book recommendation system to illustrate the room's new ability to converse with users. These enhancements have heightened user experience in communicating with the Intelligent Room, as indicated by our user study.