Architectural views for social robots in public spaces: business, system, and security strategies

Abstract This study delineates a suite of architectural views and a security perspective tailored to guide the deployment and integration of Social Robots in Public Spaces (SRPS). It commences with a business context view that utilizes the customer-producer-supplier model, underscoring the value of SRPS to various stakeholders and illustrating how robots can enhance user experiences and drive economic benefits. The system context view details the intricate interactions among the social robot, stakeholders, public spaces, and external systems, highlighting essential considerations for successful deployment, from technical configurations to stakeholder engagement. The functional view elaborates on the operational dynamics of the robot within its environment, focusing on user interaction and data management capabilities. Additionally, the security perspective delves into security considerations vital for safeguarding the SRPS across various domains, including identity and access management, application and network security, and data privacy. The paper also contextualizes these views through a city ferry use case, demonstrating their practical application and reinforcing the importance of multifaceted planning and analysis in real-world settings. This approach provides a strategic framework views for developing SRPS that are viable, efficient, and secure, fostering successful adoption in diverse public environments.