Sidewalk robots are increasingly common across the globe. Yet, their operation on public paths poses challenges for people with mobility disabilities (PwMD) who face barriers to accessibility, such as insufficient curb cuts. We interviewed 15 PwMD to understand how they perceive sidewalk robots. Findings indicated that PwMD feel they have to compete for space on the sidewalk when robots are introduced. We next interviewed eight robotics practitioners to learn about their attitudes towards accessibility. Practitioners described how issues often stem from robotic companies addressing accessibility only after problems arise. Both interview groups underscored the importance of integrating accessibility from the outset. Building on this finding, we held four co-design workshops with PwMD and practitioners in pairs. These convenings brought to bear accessibility needs around robots operating in public spaces and in the public interest. Our study aims to set the stage for a more inclusive future around public service robots.

中文翻译：

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共同设计无障碍公共机器人：行动不便人士、机器人从业者及其合作的见解

人行道机器人在全球范围内越来越普遍。然而，它们在公共道路上的运营给行动不便的人（PwMD）带来了挑战，他们面临着无障碍障碍，例如路边削减不足。我们采访了 15 位残疾人士，了解他们如何看待人行道机器人。调查结果表明，残疾人管理局认为，当引入机器人时，他们必须争夺人行道上的空间。接下来我们采访了八位机器人从业者，了解他们对无障碍的态度。从业者描述了问题通常是由机器人公司在问题出现后才解决可访问性问题造成的。两个采访小组都强调了从一开始就整合可访问性的重要性。基于这一发现，我们与 PwMD 和从业者配对举办了四次联合设计研讨会。这些会议满足了在公共空间和公共利益中运行的机器人的无障碍需求。我们的研究旨在为公共服务机器人更具包容性的未来奠定基础。