Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin recently received expanded funding from the National Science Foundation to continue their work studying human-robot interactions.Big bot on campusThe team plans to use two varieties of “dog-like” robots made by Boston Dynamics and Unitree.The research team will set up a network, and UT Austin community members—students, staff, et cetera—will be able to use an app on their smartphones to deliver goods like hand wipes and sanitizer.“And I think the more unstructured environments these robots can robustly and accurately handle without being a nuisance, while still being productive, the more progress we make.”First stepsBiswas noted, however, that there are pros and cons to doing this study on a university campus.But his and his colleagues’ upcoming research efforts are looking at the future of robotics, potentially several years down the line, “not things today.”reader comments 43 with 0 posters participatingShare this story"