# Robot Communication Via Motion: Closing the Underwater Human-Robot Interaction Loop

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.07948 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1809.07948/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 21 Sep 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Robotic Detection of a Human-Comprehensible Gestural Language for Underwater Multi-Human-Robot Collaboration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2207.05331/) (2022)
- [Adaptive Landmark Color for AUV Docking in Visually Dynamic Environments](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.02944/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In this paper, we propose a novel method for underwater robot-to-human communication using the motion of the robot as "body language". To evaluate this system, we develop simulated examples of the system's body language gestures, called kinemes, and compare them to a baseline system using flashing colored lights through a user study. Our work shows evidence that motion can be used as a successful communication vector which is accurate, easy to learn, and quick enough to be used, all without requiring any additional hardware to be added to our platform. We thus contribute to "closing the loop" for human-robot interaction underwater by proposing and testing this system, suggesting a library of possible body language gestures for underwater robots, and offering insight on the design of nonverbal robot-to-human communication methods.