Examining the Effect of Problem Definition and Solution Engineers on End-users’ Acceptance of New Technological Devices; Human-Robot Augmented Reality Smart Inspection

The technical report details my work in developing a device that uses ultrasonic sensors to improve the obstacle avoidance capabilities of autonomous robots that use Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) devices. The final prototype provides a plug-and-play solution that easily interfaces with robots running the Robot Operating System (ROS). The research paper examines the extent to which adherence to the principles of Gary Downey’s model of engineering as problem definition and solution can predict the success of new technological devices among consumers. I examined the work of research engineers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory who developed a smart breaker panel to assess whether they engaged in problem definition, collaborative work among stakeholders and technical mediation. The results show that despite Downey’s framework’s potential to facilitate the adoption of new technological devices, problem definition and solution, as Downey defines it, is often beyond the scope of the work of engineers in industry.