Using function allocation methods to inform research roadmaps: A human-robot interaction case study for Medjool date thinning

The objective of the work is to develop a roadmap to support robotic Medjool date thinning system (RDTS) human-robot interaction research. The focus of the work relates to the allocation of functions among the human operator and the envisioned RDTS. We reviewed the current status of enabling technologies. We used the abstraction hierarchy multilevel representation framework to identify the physical functions and resources of the envisioned system. By considering the current status and the abstraction hierarchy, we developed four technically possible function allocation options. These analyses formed the basis for discussion to support research roadmap refinement. The researchers are using this refined roadmap to align their goals to ensure a better RDTS research outcome.