Autistic traits, personality, and evaluations of humanoid robots by young and older adults

Abstract

While research with individuals on the autistic spectrum has increased strongly, there is still a lack of research on autism/autistic traits in older adults. Children with autism have been proposed to benefit from interactions with social robots; for older adults, the potential role of robotics is currently being discussed. We combined these topics by assessing both young and older (Mean age = 22 vs. 69 years) neurotypical adults’ evaluations of various humanoid robots presented in video clips, on multiple dimensions (likeability, companionship, dominance, threat, human-likeness). We additionally assessed autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Questionnaire – AQ) and Big-Five personality traits. Remarkably, older adults evaluated robots as more likeable. Compared to young adults, older adults also showed significantly higher levels of autistic traits (particularly in the AQ social interaction subscale), higher levels of conscientiousness, and lower levels of openness. We found strong positive correlations between ratings of likeability and human-likeness of robots across groups, and particularly in participants with high levels of autistic trait. Across robots, data also provided evidence for the uncanny valley phenomenon. Favourable evaluations of robots by older adults suggest potential for older adults on the autistic spectrum to benefit from social robots.