University of California, Davis researchers have developed a system that allows follower robots to use behavioral cues from human leaders and other robots in order to track and follow them.

Behavioral cues that robots might use could include any action or signal that the leader exhibits that hints at a future action. These might be intended behaviors, such as pointing or waving. Other cues might be unconscious, such as behaviors that indicate stress or sadness, since they may indicate generally quick or slow movement patterns. Also, studies on human walking have shown that people unconsciously turn their head up to 25 degrees about 200 milliseconds before turning.

The ability to follow will likely be essential as robots continue to work alongside people more and more, such as in office buildings, hospitals, and airports.