A Non-Humanoid Robotic Object for Providing a Sense Of Security

Adi Manor, Benny Megidish, Etay Todress, Mario Mikulincer, Hadas Erel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Having a sense of security is considered a basic human emotional need. It increases confidence, encourages exploration, and enhances relationships with others. In this study we tested the possibility of leveraging the interaction with a simple non-humanoid robot for increasing participants' sense of security. The robotic behavior was designed with a psychology expert in attachment theory and was translated into the robot's morphology by an animator. Specifically, the robot was designed to be attentive and responsive using lean, gaze and nodding gestures. We compared participants' experience in the secure condition to the experience of participants who interacted with a non-responsive robot. We further compared the participants' implicit sense of security between the robotic conditions and an additional baseline condition in which participants did not interact with the robot. Our findings indicate the potential in leveraging a simple non-humanoid robot for enhancing humans' sense of security.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRO-MAN 2022 - 31st IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication
Subtitle of host publicationSocial, Asocial, and Antisocial Robots
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages1520-1527
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781728188591
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event31st IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, RO-MAN 2022 - Napoli, Italy
Duration: 29 Aug 20222 Sep 2022

Publication series

NameRO-MAN 2022 - 31st IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication: Social, Asocial, and Antisocial Robots

Conference

Conference31st IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, RO-MAN 2022
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityNapoli
Period29/08/222/09/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Social Psychology
  • Communication
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications

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