Human Factors in Collaborative Robotics

Start: 3rd July 2023

Expected end date: 3rd January 2027

This project investigates the human factors and ergonomics in human-robot collaboration, focusing on the challenges that arise when humans and collaborative robots (cobots) work closely together on shared tasks. Understanding these factors is crucial for enhancing human-robot interactions and facilitating the adoption of cobotic applications.

By employing systems thinking and human-centered design, this research seeks to define what it truly means to collaborate with robots. A key focus is the real-world application of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) in surgical environments. Through diverse data collection and analysis methods—including observations, interviews, video analysis, and thematic analysis—the project aims to identify the critical human factors influencing these interactions. Ultimately, the insights gained will inform the design of HRC systems across various contexts, ensuring that human needs and well-being remain at the forefront of innovation.

Outcomes

Upon completing this research, we expect to develop:

A human-centered design approach for Cobotics
Novel insights regarding the interrelationships of humans and collaborative robots in surgery
Strategies for optimising and ensuring smooth workflows that involve HRC
A conceptual framework to assist in addressing human factors while integrating cobotic systems

Supervisory Team

Principal Supervisor: Professor Glenda Caldwell
Associate Supervisors: Associate Professor Muge Fialho Leandro Alves Teixeira, Dr Alan Burden
External Supervisor: Dr Matthias Guertler

Research Outputs

First Author Publications

Vermeulen, J., Caldwell, G., Teixeira, M., Burden, A., & Guertler, M. (2024). To safety and beyond! A scoping review of human factors enriching the design of human-Robot Collaboration. Interaction Design & Architecture(s), (61), 42–65. doi:10.55612/s-5002-061-001
Investigating Human Factors in Mako-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgeries, Authors: Jasper Vermeulen, Alan Burden, Glenda Caldwell, Muge Belek Fialho Teixeira, Matthias Guertler, In 2025 20th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Conference Abstract: “Understanding Human Factors that Shape Human-Robot Collaboration“, Jasper Vermeulen, HFESA 2024 conference, Brisbane 25-27th November.
Extended Abstract: Towards Enhancing Human Performance in Mako-Assisted Hip Replacement Surgeries, Ergonomics & Human Factors 2025 | CIEHF

Other Publications

Burden, A. G., Liu, Y., Vermeulen, J., (2024). Designing Effective AR Interfaces for Human-Robot Interaction: A Scoping Review and Practical Guidelines for Robot Pick-and-Place Tasks. In Proceedings of The 36th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (OZCHI ’24). ACM, New York, NY, USA, 16 pages
Johansen, S.S., Browning, Y., Brumpton, A., Vermeulen, J., Loy, W.W., Donovan, J. and Rittenbruch, M. (accepted, 2025). Embodied Composition for Imagining Robotic Sound Space. In 2025 20th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Workshops/Other

Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality for Human-Robot Interaction Workshop (VAM-HRI), Organisers: Selen Turkay, Maciej Woźniak, Gregory LeMasurier, Glenda Caldwell, Jasper Vermeulen, Alan Burden In 2025 20th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Website: vam-hri.github.io