CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

As in 1.1

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

As in 1.1

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Robots x 3 for Human-Robot Interaction Studies

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

Cardiff University require 3 x Robots for Human-Robot Interaction Studies. 2 of the robots should be smaller robots, suitable for child-robot interaction studies. The last should be a larger robot, able to move around and capable of interacting with objects on a table.

We require the robots for the following activities within the IROHMS lab:

Children’s interaction with robotic technology. This stream of work centres on enhancing the acceptability and reliability of humanoid robot interactions for children. Using CUCHDS’ existing neuroimaging technologies, this can explore the activation of social neural networks during CRI and use this to inform basic robotics development. Complementary psychological experimental paradigms that will inform these advancements include movement paradigms, perspective taking, eye-gaze cueing and joint attention. Atypically developing children, particularly autistic children, may perceive a humanoid robot’s appearance and behaviours differently from other children. Thus, the work will also focus on adapting humanoid robots to meet individual differences.

Social cognition and behaviour. This stream capitalises on the breadth of CUCHDS research that explores social cognition and behaviour. For example, combined with motion capture software, we will use time-series analysis to offer a fine-grained exploration of the social synchrony between child and robot, with CRI offering experimental control not afforded in human-human interactions. Further, autistic children may find humanoid robots more predictable and easier to understand than humans, which offers exciting possibilities for exploring social strategies and interaction styles. As well as informing basic understanding of social cognition and behaviour in typical and atypical development, this work has potential to lead to interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Integration with existing IROHMS capabilities. Other zones within the IROHMS lab, such as the transport simulator and immersive dome (Igloo) provide opportunities for using different technologies to explore Human-Robot Interaction scenarios. For example interventions or interfacing in autonomous driving or using augmented reality to help interface with machines

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=106397.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

Cardiff University require 3 x Robots for Human-Robot Interaction Studies. 2 of the robots should be smaller robots, suitable for child-robot interaction studies. The last should be a larger robot, able to move around and capable of interacting with objects on a table.

We require the robots for the following activities within the IROHMS lab:

Children’s interaction with robotic technology. This stream of work centres on enhancing the acceptability and reliability of humanoid robot interactions for children. Using CUCHDS’ existing neuroimaging technologies, this can explore the activation of social neural networks during CRI and use this to inform basic robotics development. Complementary psychological experimental paradigms that will inform these advancements include movement paradigms, perspective taking, eye-gaze cueing and joint attention. Atypically developing children, particularly autistic children, may perceive a humanoid robot’s appearance and behaviours differently from other children. Thus, the work will also focus on adapting humanoid robots to meet individual differences.

Social cognition and behaviour. This stream capitalises on the breadth of CUCHDS research that explores social cognition and behaviour. For example, combined with motion capture software, we will use time-series analysis to offer a fine-grained exploration of the social synchrony between child and robot, with CRI offering experimental control not afforded in human-human interactions. Further, autistic children may find humanoid robots more predictable and easier to understand than humans, which offers exciting possibilities for exploring social strategies and interaction styles. As well as informing basic understanding of social cognition and behaviour in typical and atypical development, this work has potential to lead to interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Integration with existing IROHMS capabilities. Other zones within the IROHMS lab, such as the transport simulator and immersive dome (Igloo) provide opportunities for using different technologies to explore Human-Robot Interaction scenarios. For example interventions or interfacing in autonomous driving or using augmented reality to help interface with machines

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

As stated in the ITT (Invitation to Tender) documents.

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Single stage

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

CU.494.JP

4.3

Time Limits

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

Welsh

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

All tender costs and liabilities incurred by bidders shall be the sole responsibility of bidders.

The University reserves the right to award the contract in whole or in part.

The University reserves the right to annul the tendering process and not award any contract.

All documents to be priced in GBP and all payments made in GBP.

All documents to be priced in GBP excluding VAT.

(WA Ref:106397)

Relates to the following project/programme financed by EU Community Funds: IROHMS (Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Human Machine Systems) part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Welsh Government (Welsh European Funding Office case number 82092).

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice