This paper introduces a novel methodology for the partitioning of the social space associated with arbitrary groups of individuals into approachable regions. The proposed method exploits boundary points within pre-identified social spaces and classifies them into three distinct levels based on the field of view between pairs of individuals within the group. The effectiveness of this approach was rigorously assessed across both static and dynamic scenarios, illustrating successful segmentation and classification of approachable regions. Furthermore, the methodology underwent comprehensive testing using publicly available datasets, yielding consistently satisfactory outcomes. This innovative approach represents a substantial contribution to the field of human-robot interaction, showcasing significant potential for future enhancements and advancements.

Advancements in mobile robotics have allowed humans and robots to interact in different environments and ways. A problem of great interest in Human-Robot Interaction is how to approach individuals, e.g., to gather information, in a socially acceptable manner. We present a new method for planning sequential visits to various groups of people in cluttered environments. The problem is formulated as a Set Orienteering Problem, where each group denotes a cluster with a set of possible approaching points considering different F-formations. We use the concept of a social probabilistic roadmap to determine safe paths between groups. Simulations considering different cases show that methodology produces efficient tours that maximize the number of approached individuals while respecting social norms of distance and a limited budget.