08/06/2021
By Karina Roundtree

Do you want to have a chance to interact with ground and air robots?

Researchers from UMass Lowell and SoarTech are conducting research to investigate human behavior and perception in response to interacting with robots. Participants will be asked to perform various tasks in indoor spaces such as searching rooms for colored targets or playing games like checkers. During these interactions, ground and air robots will interact with you to ask you questions or give instructions. You may be asked to wear a wrist heart monitor during the test session.

Test sessions will last no longer than 3 hours and will take place during daylight hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). You may be asked to participate in multiple test sessions on different days. During each test session, multiple trials will be conducted where you will be given different tasks to perform. Each session will last up to 40 minutes followed by a 10-minute break.

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this study. You may not participate if you have previously participated in one of our studies or if you have substantial hearing impairment in both of your ears as some of the robots may communicate using audio. During the recruitment phase, you will be given a questionnaire to fill out ($10) which will be used to determine which test session you will participate in. A member of the research team will follow up with you after initial contact is made to work out the details.

Monetary compensation or gift card ($15/hour) will be provided. You can earn additional compensation based on your performance during the test session. Details will be provided during study training.

To learn more about participating in this study, please contact researchers at the UMass Lowell NERVE Center by replying to karina_roundtree@uml.edu.