Determining Language for Human to Robot Navigational Commands

Robots that collaborate with humans must be equipped with interfaces that support deeper and richer interaction. Such interfaces may involve the understanding and production of speech. This calls for an understanding of speech and natural language in various contexts. The present study investigates the preferred words and phrases used in giving directions to a robot teammate in an intelligence and surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) mission. Results indicate that participants may have had a perceptual mental model that influenced choice of words or phrases. Recommendations for future research include examining the factors that affect development of schemas when interacting with robots.