Apparatus and methods for controlling attention and training of autonomous robotic devices. In one approach, attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. Responsive to receiving the additional signal, the robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task. The light guided attention system may influence the robot learning for subsequent actions.

A robotic device receives a first signal from a positioning hardware device that is worn by a user. The first signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. A second signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. Based on the first signal, the second signal, and a record of object positions of objects within a predefined area of the user, the identification and location of the user-selected object is determined. A determination is made regarding whether or not the robotic device is authorized to perform a specific task on the user-selected object based on the location of the user-selected object. If authorized, the robotic device performs the specific task on the user-selected object.

A robotic device receives a first signal from a positioning hardware device that is worn by a user. The first signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. A second signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. Based on the first signal, the second signal, and a record of object positions of objects within a predefined area of the user, the identification and location of the user-selected object is determined. A determination is made regarding whether or not the robotic device is authorized to perform a specific task on the user-selected object based on the location of the user-selected object. If authorized, the robotic device performs the specific task on the user-selected object.

A robotic device receives a first signal from a positioning hardware device that is worn by a user. The first signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. A second signal describes an angle between the user and the robotic device and between the user and the user-selected object. Based on the first signal, the second signal, and a record of object positions of objects within a predefined area of the user, the identification and location of the user-selected object is determined. A determination is made regarding whether or not the robotic device is authorized to perform a specific task on the user-selected object based on the location of the user-selected object. If authorized, the robotic device performs the specific task on the user-selected object.

Apparatus and methods for controlling attention and training of autonomous robotic devices. In one approach, attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. Responsive to receiving the additional signal, the robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task. The light guided attention system may influence the robot learning for subsequent actions.