Shared Design Principles in Human-Robot Systems: A Work Domain Perspective

Amid the growing focus on integrating smart technologies in modern industries, human-centred design in human-robot collaboration (HRC) systems remains underdeveloped and largely research-oriented. Therefore, there is a need for practical approaches that assist designers in creating more effective human-centred HRC systems. In this regard, this study applies Work Domain Analysis (WDA) to interaction design in three multi-human, multi-robot (MH-MR) systems, including industrial assembly, construction, and agriculture, as part of the EU Horizon project SOPRANO. Separate WDAs for each use case, analyse the system from different abstraction levels, identify key interaction points between system components, and form the basis for initial sociotechnical requirements in interaction design. A thematic comparison of these requirements across four key areas— (1) user interfaces and communication systems, (2) control and authority sharing, (3) workflow synchronization, and (4) safety assurance—reveals shared design principles and system-specific considerations. These insights contribute to the development of advanced, human-centred collaborative robotics adaptable to diverse work environments.