A Study on 3D-Based Design Guidelines for Multi-Housing Areas to Establish Robot-Friendly Living Environments

Abstract

This study proposes 3D-based robot-friendly design guidelines to introduce residential service robots (delivery and care robots) into existing multi-housing areas, which often lack adequate infrastructure and are excluded from advanced complex residential cultures. To overcome the limitations of conventional 2D drawing-based evaluation methods in reflecting the 3D maneuverability and sensor mechanisms of robots, we three-dimensionally analyzed the structural and physical limitations in multi-family and multi-dwelling houses. The analysis identified dynamic obstacles in pilotis parking lots, step differences at common and household entrances, the fundamental absence of elevators, narrow spaces, and optical noise from reflective finishing materials as key factors impeding robot navigation. To address these issues, we propose guidelines that include the installation of unmanned delivery hub-stations and robot-exclusive small lifts, step-free approach pathways, and network-linked automatic doors for public areas. For private spaces, the guidelines suggest fully flat entrances, matte and uniform flooring, the removal of thresholds, and alcove-type buffer zones with built-in docking stations to prevent pedestrian-robot interference. By applying these guidelines to a 3D prototype model of a four-story multi-dwelling house, we confirmed that modifying architectural forms and establishing minimal infrastructure can resolve physical disconnections. This research provides practical foundational data to improve technologically marginalized multi-housing culture where humans and robots coexist safely.