Would you trust a robot to take care of your cat? Recent studies show that it’s not just about having a well-designed robot, but also about the environment in which they work and human interaction.
Cat Royale is a one-of-a-kind partnership between Computer Scientists at the University of Nottingham and artists at Blast Theory, who collaborated closely to create a robotic system that can interact with and care for cats. The research found that the environment in which the robots operate and the level of human interaction are crucial factors in the success of this type of technology.
The project aims to create a unique world that brings together three cats and a robot arm in a custom enclosure for six hours a day over twelve days. This exhibit was first introduced at the World Science Festival in Brisbane, Australia in 2023 and has been on tour since then. Recently, it received a Webby award for its innovative experience.
At the annual Computer-Human Conference (CHI’24), a research paper titled “Designing Multispecies Worlds for Robots, Cats, and Humans” was presented and awarded best paper. The paper discusses the importance of not only designing the technology itself, but also its interactions with different species.that enhances the lives of cats, but when you look deeper, it’s really about integrating technology into the natural world,” said lead researcher Dr. Smith. “We wanted to show that it’s not just about creating new gadgets, but about considering the environment in which they will be used. Our research emphasizes the importance of human involvement in areas like animal welfare and audience engagement.”
One of the key features of the project is Cat Royale, a robot arm that provides activities to improve the well-being of cats. These activities include dragging a ‘mouse’ toy, lifting a feather ‘bird’ into the air, and offering them treats. The team then used AI to personalize the cats’ experiences based on their preferences.”to enhance the lives of a family of cats through interactive play,” said Professor Steve Benford of the University of Nottingham, who headed the study. He added, “However, beneath the surface, it delves into the question of what it takes for us to trust a robot to care for our loved ones and potentially ourselves.”
Collaborating with Blast Theory to create and then analyze Cat Royale, the research team gained valuable insights into the design of robots and their interactions with the cats. They had to program the robot to pick up toys, engage the cats in stimulating ways, and learn which games each cat preferred. They also developed the entire environment inThe place where the cats and the robot coexisted, creating safe areas for the cats to watch the robot and sneak up on it, and decorating it in a way that would help the robot to see the approaching cats. The suggestion is that designing robots involves not only engineering and AI, but also interior design. If you plan to bring robots into your home to care for your loved ones, you may need to redesign your home. Research workshops for Cat Royale took place at the University of Nottingham’s unique Cobotmaker Space, where stakeholders were brought together to consider the design of the robot and the well-being of cats. Eike Schneiders, who is a Transitional Assistant Professor in the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham, worked on the design of the multispecies system. He mentioned that the process of creating such a system, where cats, robots, and humans are all involved, goes beyond just designing the robot. It also involves ensuring the well-being of the animals while making sure that the interactive installation is engaging for human audiences worldwide. This required careful consideration of various elements, including the design of the enclosure, the robot and its systems, the different roles of the humans involved, and of course, the welfare of the animals.
