eXplainable intention estimation with GNN - Honda Research Institute USA

eXplainable intention estimation with GNN

eXplainable Intention Estimation in Teleoperated Manipulation Using Deep Dynamic Graph Neural Networks

Prakash Baskaran Xiao Liu Songpo Li Soshi Iba

IROS 2025

Shared autonomy can improve teleoperating robotic systems in complex manufacturing and assembly tasks by combining human decision-making and robotic capabilities. A key aspect of seamless collaboration and trust in shared autonomy is the robot’s ability to interpret human intentions in a consistent and explainable manner. To achieve this, a graph neural network-based intention estimation framework is introduced, which generates dynamic graphs that capture spatial relationships evolving over time. The framework predicts human intentions at two hierarchical levels: low-level actions and high-level tasks. Furthermore, we empirically and anecdotally verify the correctness and consistency of the predictions using explainability metrics. The algorithm is demonstrated by teleoperating a bi-manual robot to assemble various block structures in a virtual reality simulation environment.

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