User-Centered Assistive Robotics for Production-Human-Robot Interaction Concepts in the AssistMe project

In this paper we present results of the AssistMe project which aims at enabling close human-robot cooperation in production processes. AssistMe develops and evaluates different means of interaction for programming and using a robot-based assistive system through a multistage user-centered design process. Together with two industrial companies humanrobot cooperation scenarios are evaluated in two entirely different application areas. One field of application is the assembly of automotive combustion engines while the other one treats the machining (polishing) of casting moulds. In this paper we describe the overall project methodology, followed by a description of the selected use case and a detailed outline of the first two expansion stages. The paper closes with an overview on the results of the first two rounds of user trials and gives an outlook on the next expansion stage of the human-robot cooperation scenario.