Projects

Abstract Human beings possess a unique and highly evolved capacity to dynamically regulate their level of social presence in response to environmental cues, social norms, and contextual expectations—a capability that plays a crucial role in shaping Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Yet, its modulation remains an underexplored area in embodied robotic systems. This research advances the field…

Abstract This thesis, “Analyzing Cognitive Abilities in Embodied Robotics Systems”, investigates the cognitive potential of embodied robotics, offering a novel perspective by interpreting robotic behaviour through the lens of human-like cognition. It addresses a key gap in current methodologies, which often assess isolated cognitive abilities without accounting for the inherently interconnected nature of cognition in…

Abstract In Australia, an alarming 75.8 million tonnes of waste is generated annually, with organic waste contributing approximately 14.4 million tonnes. Food waste, a major component of organic waste, accounts for 32.6% and is predominantly disposed of in landfills, where it generates methane, a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential at least 28 times…

Abstract The Multiple Sensors Multi-instance (MSMI) Dataset represents a comprehensive collection of multi-sensor data designed to support research in robotics and machine learning applications. This dataset addresses the growing need for diverse, multi-modal data sources in the development of robust robotic systems capable of operating in complex, real-world environments. The MSMI dataset incorporates data from…

Abstract Concurrent developments in robotic design and natural language processing (NLP) have enabled the production of humanoid chatbots that can operate in commercial and community settings. Though still novel, the presence of physically embodied social robots is growing and will soon be commonplace. Our study is set at this point of emergence, investigating people’s first…

Abstract The aged care industry is under pressure from stressors including increasing resident numbers and difficulty meeting staffing requirements. Robots may be able to support the industry by filling many vital roles, however it is currently unclear how successful implementation of robots in aged care can occur, and detailed in situ assessment and mapping of…