# A Survey on Socially Aware Robot Navigation: Taxonomy and Future Challenges

**Authors:** Phani Teja Singamaneni, Pilar Bachiller-Burgos, Luis J. Manso, Ana/'is Garrell, Alberto Sanfeliu, Anne Spalanzani, Rachid Alami  
**arXiv:** [2311.06922](https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.06922)  
**Date:** 2023-11-12  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2311.06922v1/

## Key points

- Researchers are focusing on developing advanced skills for robots to navigate safely and effectively in shared spaces with humans.
- The increasing use of delivery and assistive robots, as well as the need for autonomous vehicles to possess social awareness in their navigation capabilities, is driving this research.
- Ground robots have been leading the research in socially aware robot navigation, but drones are also entering this domain.
- A recent literature survey presented four different taxonomies that offer a comprehensive framework for understanding socially aware robot navigation from multiple perspectives.
- Current research trends and new applications across different domains have identified numerous opportunities for further exploration and development in this area.
- Potential challenges may arise in the future as socially aware robot navigation evolves, which researchers aim to address to enhance robots' capabilities to navigate complex environments while interacting seamlessly with humans.

## Summary

In the rapidly evolving field of socially aware robot navigation, researchers are focusing on developing advanced skills for robots to navigate safely and effectively in shared spaces with humans. This research is driven by the increasing use of delivery and assistive robots, as well as the need for autonomous vehicles to possess social awareness in their navigation capabilities. Ground robots have been at the forefront of this research, but drones are also making their way into this domain. A recent literature survey conducted over the past decade has shed light on various aspects of socially aware robot navigation. The survey presented four different taxonomies that provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the field from multiple perspectives. By analyzing current research trends and exploring new applications across different domains, researchers have identified numerous opportunities for further exploration and development in this area. The study also highlights potential challenges that may arise in the future as socially aware robot navigation continues to evolve. By addressing these challenges head-on, researchers aim to enhance the capabilities of robots to navigate complex environments while interacting seamlessly with humans. Overall, this survey serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to delve deeper into the realm of socially aware robot navigation and its implications for various industries and societal contexts.