Eli Lilly and Purdue University are set to share groundbreaking insights into human-robot interaction at the upcoming RoboBusiness conference in Santa Clara, California. The joint presentation, scheduled for October 20, 2026, will highlight the critical findings from their collaborative field studies conducted in live manufacturing environments.
What Happened
At RoboBusiness 2026, Faraz Yousuf from Eli Lilly and Dr. Anastasia Kouvaras Ostrowski from Purdue University will deliver a pivotal session on the integration of human-robot interaction (HRI) within industrial settings. Their research, which involved real-world studies of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in operational manufacturing and warehouse settings, is poised to offer actionable insights into how humans perceive and interact with robots on the production floor. This collaboration between industry and academia has resulted in a robust playbook to facilitate repeatable and scalable partnerships for future HRI studies.
Yousuf, a senior principal robotics application engineer at Eli Lilly, brings extensive experience in integrating and supporting automated systems such as ASRSes, AGVs, and AMRs in pharmaceutical environments. Dr. Ostrowski, an assistant professor at Purdue, specializes in co-design approaches for implementing robots and AI in industrial contexts. Their joint effort aims to bridge the often-cited gap between academic research and practical application in the field of industrial robotics.
What This Means for Your Business
For businesses in the AECM and government contracting sectors, the insights shared by Eli Lilly and Purdue could significantly impact strategic decisions regarding automation investments. Understanding human-robot interaction can lead to enhanced safety protocols and operational efficiencies, which are crucial for compliance with industry standards like ANSI R15.08 and ISO 25785-1. Moreover, the development of a repeatable partnership model between academia and industry could open new avenues for research-driven innovation, offering competitive advantages in the rapidly evolving robotics landscape.
Companies looking to integrate robots into their operations must consider the human factors that affect robot acceptance and productivity. The insights from this session could guide the design and implementation of more effective automation strategies, potentially reducing costs and increasing ROI through optimized workflows and improved safety standards.
What US Operators Should Watch
Industry leaders should keep an eye on emerging trends and regulatory changes impacting human-robot interaction. As safety standards evolve, staying informed about updates to ANSI and ISO guidelines will be critical for maintaining compliance and ensuring the safe deployment of robotic systems. Additionally, the methodologies and frameworks developed by Eli Lilly and Purdue could serve as a benchmark for future industrial automation projects.
RoboBusiness 2026 presents an opportunity for attendees to gain firsthand knowledge from leading experts and to network with peers to discuss the future of robotics in manufacturing. Decision-makers should consider attending to stay abreast of the latest developments and to explore potential collaborations that could drive innovation in their operations.
Source: https://www.therobotreport.com/eli-lilly-purdue-to-share-field-learnings-on-human-robot-interaction-at-robobusiness/. Read the original story ->
Partner Insight · VisioneerIT
Understanding human-robot interaction is crucial for businesses looking to modernize their operations and improve efficiency. VisioneerIT specializes in digital transformation strategies that can help organizations integrate advanced technologies effectively.
Explore VisioneerIT Cybersecurity →
Is your firm ready for what’s next?
VisioneerIT helps AECM and government contractors modernize operations, achieve compliance, and implement AI.
Explore VisioneerIT Solutions →
