Co-design Accessible Public Robots: Insights from People with Mobility Disability, Robotic Practitioners and Their Collaborations

TL;DR

The paper investigates how sidewalk robots intersect with accessibility for people with mobility disabilities (PwMD) through three interconnected studies: interviews with PwMD, interviews with robotic practitioners, and four co-design workshops pairing PwMD with practitioners. It reveals pervasive concerns about space, curb-cut access, and the need for clear robot communication and recognition of mobility aids, while highlighting organizational barriers to accessible design and the potential of early, multi-stakeholder involvement. The authors show that co-design can generate concrete robot concepts (e.g., cargo carriers, grocery fetchers, crosswalk guides, snow plows) that address PwMD needs and broaden the public value of robots, while also outlining regulatory and policy gaps. Overall, the work argues for integrated accessibility from the outset, broader stakeholder engagement, and policy support to realize safe, usable, and ethically designed public robots.

Abstract

Sidewalk robots are increasingly common across the globe. Yet, their operation on public paths poses challenges for people with mobility disabilities (PwMD) who face barriers to accessibility, such as insufficient curb cuts. We interviewed 15 PwMD to understand how they perceive sidewalk robots. Findings indicated that PwMD feel they have to compete for space on the sidewalk when robots are introduced. We next interviewed eight robotics practitioners to learn about their attitudes towards accessibility. Practitioners described how issues often stem from robotic companies addressing accessibility only after problems arise. Both interview groups underscored the importance of integrating accessibility from the outset. Building on this finding, we held four co-design workshops with PwMD and practitioners in pairs. These convenings brought to bear accessibility needs around robots operating in public spaces and in the public interest. Our study aims to set the stage for a more inclusive future around public service robots.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: This flowchart illustrates the progressive approach taken in our three-part study and its key outcomes. The insights gained from the first study, which involved interviewing PwMD, were integrated into the interview framework conducted with robotic practitioners in study 2. The collective findings from both studies then formed the basis for the collaborative workshops in study 3.
• Figure 2: Drawing from existing literature, we identified eight critical HRI design factors. This figure provides an overview of these factors, elucidates how they were presented to the participants, and references the corresponding literature.
• Figure 3: Two elements of the design activity template that we used to facilitate the co-design workshop
• Figure 4: Images presented during the interviews with PwMD. The images depict possible encounters with sidewalk robot scenarios to probe design factors.
• Figure 5: Final illustrations of the robot ideas from the four co-design workshops. The illustrations have also been photo-edited to depict the public venue they operate within in the background.