Head or indicator orientation communicates the attended object
Aliases: robot gaze · joint-attention cue · attention indicator
What it is
A robot attention direction cue uses a head, camera gimbal, eye-like display, or directional light to identify an object being sensed, selected, or referenced. It serves joint attention and should not automatically imply that the chassis will travel in that direction.
Why it happens
People rapidly follow head and eye direction and interpret a stable dwell as selection. The cue first redirects gaze, then establishes a shared reference among robot, person, and object. If sensor field, algorithmic selection, and displayed orientation diverge, users form a false model of what is perceived; rapid scanning fails to designate a stable referent.
Studying it
Pointing accuracy, dwell time, target count, and cue form can be varied while measuring target identification, joint-attention latency, referential ambiguity, and checking glances. Studies should distinguish sensor direction, selected object, and intended action. Expression changes coupled to head motion must be controlled.
Where it stops holding
Headless robots can use lights or projection if the cue has a clear directional axis. Omnidirectional sensing does not mean equal processing everywhere, while camera orientation does not guarantee recognition. Visual pointing also fails for blind users and in strong illumination.
Applying it
- Decide whether the cue means sensing range, current selection, or action target, and keep that semantics stable.
- Dwell on the referent, then use a distinct confirmation change for successful recognition; do not make continuous scanning imply understanding.
- Test target identification under multiple objects, occlusion, and bright light, recording errors, confirmation time, and cross-modal recovery.