Abstract
We introduce a novel form of human-robot interaction, based on an emerging new form of robot. Specifically, we analyze and discuss the ability of continuum surface robots to support the human posterior, adapting their shape to the changing needs of the human. We illustrate the concept via several examples, focusing on the application of horse riding, in which adaptive robot saddles could increase rider comfort, versatility, and safety.
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Acknowledgments
The work in this paper was supported in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation under grant IIS-1527165. The author would like to thank the members of Scott Hills Equestrian Center, and in particular Uma and Wasabi, for their advice and expertise, which was very helpful in the preparation of this paper.
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Walker, I.D. (2017). Continuum Robot Surfaces: Smart Saddles and Seats. In: Zhang, D., Wei, B. (eds) Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering for Advanced and Intelligent Manufacturing. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33581-0_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33581-0_8
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