RODECA: A Canvas for Designing Robots

Although there are existing frameworks for designing robots within the field of HRI, there is not yet a viable, all encompassing framework that bridges the gap between academic research, industry development and users in the design process. Through two online workshops and an individual company assignment, we identified industry needs, concerns and challenges relevant to the development of the Robot Design Canvas (RODECA). We present our preliminary work with seven industry partners and scientists from three research institutions. This research will inform the development of a versatile robot design framework that accounts for user experience early in the design process that can be validated through systematic investigation across research and industry applications. Such a tool would help bridge the gap between HRI research and commercial robot development.