Category: Researchers

Bochao Xu is an Associate PhD researcher based at the University of Technology Sydney, and he is part of the Designing Socio-Technical Robotic Systems program at the Australian Cobotics Centre. We interviewed Bochao recently to find out more about why he does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre? Include the long-term impact of what you are doing.

I completed my undergraduate studies at UNSW in 2020 with a double degree in mechatronics engineering and commerce. Before I decided to do a PhD, I worked in an industrial robot research institute and an industrial AI company. I started my PhD in February 2023 at UTS and joined ACC in September 2023 as an associate researcher. My main research interest is in how small to medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) can be supported in adopting technologies. Since joining ACC, my research has also looked into how cobots can be adopted together with other technologies. SMMEs with restricted time, knowledge, and resources face many challenges in adopting not only cobots but also other technologies while focusing on their daily operations. However, adopting technology to raise competitive advantages should not only be a success story for large companies. Therefore, my research aims to address the difficulties and provide guidance for the best practices in technology adoption.

Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

I decided to join ACC after my supervisor and the centre offered me the opportunity. I am pleased to be part of the large research community to share and communicate my ideas. It is amazing how experts from different disciplines come together to push the research frontier of cobots. I am sure that ACC has made lots of contributions to not only cobotic research but also benefiting the Australian community, and I am glad to be part of the contribution.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

My current PhD project is certainly the project that I am most proud of. PhD has allowed me to conduct in-depth investigations of the topic I am interested in and make robust arguments on its importance. Progressing in the PhD project has given me the knowledge and rationales of how I can support the research and society in the field I am passionate about.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

Supporting SMMEs in technology adoption has always been my first priority. One of the requirements that I know I have to fulfil in my PhD study is to create something practical and sustainable even after the completion of my study. As we are in an era of rapid technological developments, my research should not only support the adoption of contemporary technology but also any future technologies. I hope my research can set the baseline and provide equal opportunities to SMMEs who are keen on seeking growth opportunities through technology adoption.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

I usually prepare a script before going to any presentation, as I understand that every presentation is an opportunity for knowledge sharing, and I would not want to miss any important messages and details. I try to imagine how the audience might react while writing the script. Therefore, I have very limited experience with long presentations without preparation. However, I recently had a new experience without much preparation when giving a short talk about the culture of my hometown in celebration of the Moon Festival. I was happy that the audience liked my presentation and thought a presentation without preparation might be doable for me as well. If I were to give another presentation without preparation, it would be about food and cooking, time management, or personal and family accounting, which are my hobbies and interests.

Phuong Tran is a PhD researcher based at the Queensland University of Technology and her project is part of the Collaborative Robots and Humans’ Work project, which is part of the Human-Robot Workforce program at the Australian Cobotics Centre. We interviewed Phuong recently to find out more about why she does what she does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre? Include the long-term impact of what you are doing.

I completed my Master of Business in 2018 and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in early 2023 at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). My MPhil thesis focused on organisational justice on digital labour platforms. I worked as a sessional academic at QUT and Griffith University between 2019-2023, and as a Research Assistant in various QUT research projects before commencing my PhD in 2023.

My PhD research project is based at QUT and part of the CSIRO’s Collaborative Intelligence (CINTEL) Future Science Platform. My research seeks to understand the work design implications of working with collaborative robots (cobots) in manufacturing. Understanding the effect of cobot usage on work design characteristics is crucial for assessing their effect on workers’ job satisfaction and turnover intention. This understanding is important in the context of manufacturing sector, which is currently experiencing labour shortages and challenges attracting and retaining talent. At the same time, manufacturers are turning to advanced technologies, such as cobots, to increase production competitiveness. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the impact of cobots on job satisfaction and turnover intention to effectively manage the integration of cobots into the workplace. This ensures that the benefits of cobot usage for organisations are maximised while minimising potential negative effects on workers.

Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

I decided to join the Australian Cobotics Centre (ACC) because it offers a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research within a large collaborative community. The ACC brings together researchers from various fields such as engineering, design, and management, and fosters industry engagement, to address complex challenges and changes associated with the integration of collaborative robots (cobots) within the Australian manufacturing. Additionally, my past research focused on digital platform workers’ fairness perceptions, and at the ACC, I can continue exploring the impacts of technology on people and the nature of work.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

The project I am most proud of throughout my career is my current PhD research. What makes this project particularly meaningful to me is the personal and professional journey it represents. Balancing the demands of a PhD research project while being a first-time mom has been challenging yet rewarding.  It has provided me with opportunities to develop myself both personally and professionally, teaching me resilience, time management, and the importance of support systems. This experience has not only enriched my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the impact of work-life balance on job satisfaction, a key aspect of my research.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I hope my work will provide valuable insights to inform organizations on the design and implementation of cobots, enabling them to optimise their cobot usage and/or address associated work design issues. I aspire for my research to inform policies and practices that promote positive and sustainable work environments. I aim for the findings from my research to support the development of strategies to create better-designed work environments, improve job quality, and therefore, enhance overall health and wellbeing outcomes for people.

I also hope the long-term impact of my work will extend to society at large. I would like for it to inform the creation of work opportunities for individuals who might not otherwise have access to them, and thereby contributing to greater social inclusion and independence.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

I would find it incredibly difficult to talk about anything for an hour without proper preparation. However, I imagine my one-hour long presentation would be titled: “The Art of Surviving Sleep Deprivation: Tips and Tricks from a First-Time Mom”.
Topics I might discuss include:

• The science of baby sleep cycles (or why your baby thinks 3AM is a good time for karaoke)
• Decoding baby talk: understanding the difference between “I’m hungry.”, and “I just scream for fun”.

Louis Fernandez is a PhD researcher based at the University of Technology Sydney and his project is part of the Multi-modal Human Robot Collaboration, which is part of the Human Robot Interaction program at the Australian Cobotics Centre. We interviewed Louis recently to find out more about why she does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre? Include the long-term impact of what you are doing.

After completing the first year of my engineering course, I knew that I wanted to work on developing cutting edge technology. I have always had an interest in robotics but found that robotics was not a very popular industry in Australia. My experience during my undergraduate degree working for different robotic companies in Australia was that most of the designs and technology were ‘standardised’ in a sense that many designs were extremely similar across different projects and the tasks involved in robotic related jobs were repetitive and monotonous. This led me towards the path of doing a PhD. My research with the Centre aims to develop frameworks that enables more effective, efficient and safer collaboration between human and robots by looking into ways that can help robots’ human actions or motions through lightweight data.

Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

Being a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre allows me to work on developing cutting edge technology that can be used to solve problems in the industry that have no clear solution. Furthermore, being part of the ACC allows me to add on the foundational knowledge that would enable humans and robots working together.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

Throughout my research career, the project I am most proud of is my undergraduate capstone project. Compared to the current projects I am working on in my PhD, my undergraduate capstone project was relatively simple. However, it was this project which reinforced my passion for robotics and research. It also enabled me to publish a paper to a local robotics conference (ACRA) which was a memorable experience on its own.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I hope to enable robots and humans working side by side. Hopefully, this reduces the fear that ‘robots will take over our jobs’ and move towards the path where robots are seen as tools or ‘co-workers’ used to assist humans in completing a certain task.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

I’m currently going through a phase where I’m really into camping so I could probably give hour-long presentation on camping.

Read more about Louis’s project titled ‘Multimodal Human Robot Collaboration’ HERE.

Jasper Vermeulen is a PhD researcher based at Queensland University of Technology and his project is part of the Designing Socio-technical Robotic Systems at the Australian Cobotics Centre. We interviewed Jasper recently to find out more about why she does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre? Include the long-term impact of what you are doing.

I have always been fascinated by how novel technologies integrate into our daily lives. Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) offers an exciting opportunity to enhance human qualities and working conditions rather than replace human effort. My research focuses on uncovering crucial human factors in HRC applications, particularly manufacturing and robot-assisted surgery. By examining the real-world experiences of individuals collaborating with robots, I aim to design better HRC systems for Industry 5.0. My work seeks to improve the efficiency and safety of HRC, making these technologies more user-friendly and effective in complex environments.

Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

HRC is a rapidly evolving field with many unexplored avenues. Being part of the Australian Cobotics Centre allows me to contribute to the foundation of future work by enhancing human efforts through Collaborative Robotics. The Centre offers a unique opportunity to foster industry connections and make a direct impact through my research. Collaborating closely with industry practitioners helps bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that my work effectively addresses practical challenges.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

I am particularly proud of my current projects with the Australian Cobotics Centre, which focus on human factors in surgery and manufacturing. These studies are grounded in real-world scenarios, like assembly line processes and robot-assisted surgical procedures. By emphasising user experience and leveraging action research with industry partners, I aim to create systems where humans and robots work together seamlessly. This approach not only centres around human needs but also tackles practical challenges, enhancing efficiency and safety in both industries.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I hope my research contributes to a deeper understanding of human experiences with HRC, aiding both academic researchers and industry practitioners. As robots become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding the human factors involved in this collaboration is crucial. My work aims to ensure that HRC systems are designed to effectively enhance human capabilities and work conditions.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

I could give an hour-long presentation on smart home technology, which I find fascinating. While smart home devices offer convenience, connectedness, and entertainment, they also present privacy risks and surveillance concerns. My extensive research on this topic highlights the need for better education on the potential drawbacks of these technologies. With the rapid growth of smart home appliances, there’s plenty of material to discuss in an hour-long presentation.

Read more about Jasper’s project titled ‘Human Factors in Collaborative Robotics’ HERE.

Yuan Liu is a PhD researcher based at Queensland University of Technology and his project is part of the Designing Socio-technical Robotic Systems at the Australian Cobotics Centre. We interviewed Yuan recently to find out more about why she does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre? Include the long-term impact of what you are doing.

In the realm of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC), particularly in complex and dynamic environments such as assembly lines and robot-assisted surgeries, the quality of human decisions plays a pivotal role in determining outcomes. Several factors influence these decisions, including the physical and cognitive workload experienced by human operators, the design of user interfaces, and the configuration of the workspace. One promising solution for enhancing decision making in these settings involves the adoption of Extended Reality (XR) technologies. XR can offer intuitive communication, effective data visualization, user-friendly interfaces, and facilitate the ergonomic design of workspaces.

My research focuses on identifying the specific factors that impact human decision making within HRC and investigates how XR technologies can be leveraged to improve these processes. This research will address the gap regarding human decision making in HRC, develop a framework of factors affect human decision making, investigate human decision-making process in detail during HRC task, guide future XR design in HRC.

Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

Prior to commencing my research with ACC, I completed a master’s degree in Interactive Media, where I engaged in a project that piqued my interest in the application of immersive technologies across various fields. This experience laid the foundation for my current research focus. ACC, where I am currently conducting my research, specialises in Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). This centre is closely aligned with real industry demands and fosters an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together researchers from diverse fields to address all facets of HRC. This multidisciplinary environment is ideal for exploring the integration and impact of immersive technologies within human-robot interaction contexts.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

Throughout my research career thus far, I take particular pride in my ongoing projects within both the manufacturing and healthcare industries. These studies are firmly grounded in realistic scenarios-specifically, assembly line processes in manufacturing and robot-assisted surgical procedures in healthcare. My approach is deeply rooted in industry-relevant research, employing Human-Centred Design and Research through Design strategies to ensure that the studies are not only oriented around human needs but also address real-world challenges effectively. This focus aims to optimise user interaction and enhance the practicality of technological implementations in complex and dynamic environments.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I aspire for my research to make a substantial contribution to the field of human decision making within the context of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). My research introduces innovative applications for Extended Reality (XR) technologies in HRC, emphasising their role in enhancing human-in-the-loop systems. This is particularly relevant in the advanced manufacturing sectors of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, where XR technologies are pivotal in supporting complex decision-making processes. By integrating these technologies, my work aims to facilitate more intuitive and effective collaborations between humans and robots, thereby driving efficiency and innovation in modern manufacturing environments.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

I could confidently give a presentation on emerging digital technologies, a topic I have pursued with passion for several years. My extensive knowledge, fueled by continuous exploration and reading, along with a solid background in design and technology, enables me to provide a detailed discussion. I can effectively engage an audience by sharing insightful perspectives on how these innovative technologies have profoundly influenced and reshaped our world.

Read more about Yuan’s project titled ‘Augmented and Virtual Reality in Collaborative Robotics’ HERE.

James Dwyer is a PhD researcher based at Queensland University of Technology and his project is part of the Human-Robot-Interaction Program at the Australian Cobotics Centre. We interviewed James recently to find out more about why he does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre?

Beginning my academic journey with a Bachelor of Psychology, I have always been deeply interested in human behaviour and the ways in which people communicate and connect with each other. After finishing this degree and entering the working world, I found a job in customer support, where I encountered firsthand the frustrations caused by poorly designed products and the impact technology has on people’s daily lives, sparking my interest in studying Industrial Design. Through this degree, I became interested in human-centred design as a way of approaching the design process to better meet user needs. My transition into design research, particularly focusing on HRI, was a natural progression, driven by a desire to blend my interests in people, technology, and prototyping as a research tool. At the Australian Cobotics Centre, my PhD research aims to develop an HRC prototyping toolkit that supports collaborative design approaches within manufacturing and surgical contexts. This work seeks to fill a crucial gap by integrating end-user needs and context of use into the design of cobots through collaborative design approaches. Working with industry partners Stryker and Cook Medical will be an invaluable part of this process, grounding my research in practical application and amplifying its impact. In the long term, I envision my research contributing significantly to the field by advancing HRC methodologies, promoting a more human-centred approach to HRC research, and broadening the scope of cobot applications across various industries.

Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

My decision to join the Australian Cobotics Centre was born from my interest in the Project 2.2 research topic, “Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) prototyping toolkit.” This topic aligned with my interest in prototyping as a research approach and engaging with end users through collaborative design processes, particularly in the context of HRI research. This project extends the work of my master’s research, where I developed a virtual reality-based HRI prototype. This experience was enlightening, presenting me with numerous ideas for future projects and highlighting the vast possibilities that Extended Reality (XR) technologies hold for prototyping and design research. This initial interest led me to look further into the Australian Cobotics Centre. What resonated with me about the Centre was its commitment to people-focused and innovative research. The Centre’s emphasis on collaboration between academia and industry also aligned with my belief in the importance of applied research that tackles real-world problems.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

One of the highlights of my career so far has been my involvement as the creative lead in the Soundline Project during my time with the ARS Electronica Futurelab Academy at QUT. The project explored how technology can facilitate group flow, transforming festival cues, lines and waiting areas, which might be considered an ‘error’ in the festival experiences, into playful and creative opportunities. Soundline was designed to allow people at any level of musical proficiency to contribute meaningfully to a collective soundscape through physical interaction with five different musical instruments. The instruments allowed participants to create music through physical movement, fostering a unique collaborative experience between the performers and audience members. This project is particularly dear to me for several reasons. It was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, combining elements of design, technology, music, and dance performance. The hands-on experience of guiding the project from its initial concept to its public execution was also invaluable, teaching me the importance of an iterative design approach that integrated different perspectives and skill sets. Furthermore, the recognition of our work as a finalist for the IxDA Interaction Awards in 2019 was an affirming milestone, underscoring the project’s impact and the potential of interdisciplinary practice in design practice and technological development.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

My research aims to address a critical gap in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) by developing a prototyping toolkit that supports collaborative design approaches with end-users, a facet often overlooked in current practices. The need for a more human-centred approach in HRC research is evident, as current trends lean heavily towards technology-centric methods. The socio-cultural and socio-technical challenges presented by implementing cobots in manufacturing and surgical contexts necessitate a balance between technological advancements and human needs. By advocating for a design process that respects and integrates worker preferences and concerns, my work contributes to a more inclusive and considerate approach to cobot implementation, potentially leading to safer, more comfortable work environments. The development of a prototyping toolkit that encourages co-design could significantly enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging gaps between fields such as engineering, social science, and design. By making the design process more inclusive and participatory, this toolkit has the potential to influence broader discussions on technology implementation, worker participation, and the ethical considerations of integrating robotics in the workplace.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

Beyond my academic pursuits, my passions are varied and deeply rooted in the explorative and speculative realms of science fiction and design and the creative pursuits of music and art. This fascination extends to the disciplined and intricate world of martial arts, where I have spent half my life trying to achieve some level of proficiency but have gained, at the very least, a great appreciation for the mental discipline the practice instils in my daily life. Music also holds a special place in my heart. While I still struggle with theory, the process of song construction and the communal experience of improvisation captivates me, providing a unique form of collective engagement and reflection. Art, too, is a refuge for me, albeit my sketches may not win awards. The immersive process of striving to capture the right expression or scene is a form of meditation, a way to lose myself in creativity. Similarly, the joy of understanding processes through the act of making or deconstructing complex ideas is a thread that runs through all my hobbies. While I might describe myself as a “jack of all trades and master of none”, this eclectic mix of interests is interconnected, each informing and enriching the others; these activities reflect and reinforce my approach to life and work, revealing my weaknesses and areas for growth. Rather than talking about these topics, however, I often find I am more interested in delving into the depths of someone else’s expertise. In this, I find myself in the role of the perpetual student, eager to absorb and understand more.

We extend our congratulations to James Dwyer, our PhD researcher, for successfully completing his confirmation seminar on March 20th.

James’s thesis, titled “How Can We Design for Human-Robot Collaboration: the Need for a Human-Robot Collaboration Prototyping Toolkit,” is under the supervision of Jared Donovan, Markus Rittenbruch, Stine Johansen and Rafael Gomez FDIA from QUT (Queensland University of Technology) and the review panel included Marianella Chamorro-Koc and Claire Brophy.

His project is dedicated to developing a human robot collaboration Prototyping Toolkit that integrates both physical and simulated robotic systems. This initiative aims to streamline the exploration, development, and testing of novel processes and work routines. Through a collaboration with industry partner Cook Medical, the research team will explore various prototyping techniques and utilise advanced technologies such as motion tracking, mixed-reality interfaces, and lightweight interactive components to safely explore new interaction concepts.

This innovative approach promises to equip designers, engineers, and end-users with the essential resources for enhancing future human-robot collaboration within the manufacturing landscape.

For more details about James’s project, please see: Project 2.2: Human Robotic Interaction prototyping toolkit » Australian Cobotics Centre | ARC funded ITTC for Collaborative Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing

Akash Hettiarachchi is a PhD researcher based at Queensland University of Technology and his project is part of the Human-Robot Workforce Program at the Australian Cobotics Centre.
His current research interests include diversified work groups, the attraction of different social groups to the advance manufacturing sector and overcoming work force gaps.

We interviewed Akash recently to find out more about why he does what he does.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your research with the Centre?

I have worked in the manufacturing industry for almost 20 years, specializing as an HR Professional for major global manufacturing companies. Throughout my career, I have gained invaluable experience working with diverse workforces across different regions and cultures. This experience has not only provided me with practical insights but also enhanced my theoretical knowledge in the field. I have had the privilege of collaborating with industry experts and witnessing firsthand the advancements in technology within the manufacturing industry. This exposure has fueled my passion for research and equipped me with a deeper understanding of how to contribute effectively to the industry.

Moving forward, I believe it is essential to forge strong partnerships with industry leaders and gain a thorough understanding of the practical implications of workforce development alongside technological advancements. By combining this practical knowledge with my diverse background, I can contribute to the manufacturing industry by formulating innovative business strategies that provide a competitive edge.

• Why did you decide to be a part of the Australian Cobotics Centre?

The Australian Cobotic Centre stands out from other research groups by actively engaging with the industry and directly investigating pressing issues in the manufacturing sector. It also serves as a platform for researchers with diverse backgrounds to collaborate and share their findings with a wider audience. Additionally, maintaining ongoing connections with technical and HR experts opens up new research opportunities and fosters improved collaboration.

• What project are you most proud of throughout your career and why?

Promoting diversity in the workforce is a project that is extremely important to me. Throughout my professional career, I have unfortunately encountered discrimination in various areas, including recruitment, selection, promotions, and training and development. This discrimination has been especially prevalent among underrepresented groups. Additionally, I have observed firsthand how managers perpetuate unaccepted behaviour towards minority groups, highlighting the urgent need for support from business leaders.

• What do you hope the long-term impact of your work will be?

I intend to work with manufacturing organizations as a consultant, offering guidance on effectively managing the new generations and other underrepresented groups in the context of Industry 4.0. I also aim to blend traditional HR strategies with technological support and leverage technology to develop more inclusive HR strategies. The HR community I am currently connected with is an excellent platform for sharing my research findings and exploring new opportunities to enhance global HR strategies.

• Aside from your research, what topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?

As an HR Practitioner, I am most comfortable presenting on manufacturing-related HR strategies, problems faced by women in the manufacturing sector, and the impact of technology on the workforce. These topics require minimal preparation on my part.

Massive congratulations to our PhD researcher, Akash Brinly Hettiarachchi who completed his confirmation seminar last week on Wednesday, 6 March!

 

His thesis is entitled: Cobots intervention for a diverse Australian manufacturing workforce. His supervisory team include A/Prof Penny Williams, QUT and Professor Greg Hearn, QUT and the review panel included A/Prof Erika French and A/Prof Jared Donovan.

His project addresses the existing labour shortage and facilitate sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector, it is imperative to explore potential solutions for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. This research seeks to synergise technological solutions (Cobots) with HR strategies (workforce diversity) to address the prevalent challenge of talent scarcity within the manufacturing sector.

It will investigate avenues for incorporating human and social factors into the design of Cobots and assess how this integration can help overcome potential barriers to entry and retention for a diverse manufacturing workforce. The study will adopt a qualitative research methodology, encompassing three key stages: descriptive analysis, focus group discussions, and case study analysis.

We are pleased to welcome Zongyuan Zhang, our newest team member. Zongyuan is a PhD researcher at QUT (Queensland University of Technology), supervised by Jonathan Roberts, and will be actively involved in the Biomimic Cobots program as the lead researcher on Project 1.1: Cobot contact tasks through multi-sensory deep learning.

Zongyuan’s research interests centre around the application of deep learning in the field of robotics and the study of motion theories of robots with different configurations. He has experience in control system design and mechanical structure design, and has participated in projects including underwater photography robot, driverless racing car, exoskeleton mechanical arm, dual-rotor aircraft, and remote-control robotics arm, some of which are currently undergoing commercialisation.

???? We look forward to hearing more as Zongyuan’s project progresses!

Welcome Zongyuan!