Comply with Me: Using Design Manipulations to Affect Human–Robot Interaction in a COVID-19 Officer Robot Use Case

Ela Liberman-Pincu,Amit David,Tal Oron-Gilad,Vardit Sarne-Fleischmann,Yael Edan

doi:10.3390/mti5110071

Ela Liberman-Pincu, Amit David + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/mti5110071

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Abstract

This study examines the effect of a COVID-19 Officer Robot (COR) on passersby compliance and the effects of its minor design manipulations on human–robot interaction. A robotic application was developed to ensure participants entering a public building comply with COVID restrictions of a green pass and wearing a face mask. The participants’ attitudes toward the robot and their perception of its authoritativeness were explored with video and questionnaires data. Thematic analysis was used to define unique behaviors related to human–COR interaction. Direct and extended interactions with minor design manipulation of the COR were evaluated in a public scenario setting. The results demonstrate that even minor design manipulations may influence users’ attitudes toward officer robots. The outcomes of this research can support manufacturers in rapidly adjusting their robots to new domains and tasks and guide future designs of authoritative socially assistive robots (SARs).

Highlights

The COVID-19 crisis has affected many social and economic aspects of human lives worldwide
This study investigated the effect of using a social robot to act as an officer robot (COR) on passersby compliance around the university campus, enforcing the ministry of health’s restrictions—further, we examined the effect of two minor design manipulations on users’ behaviors and perceptions
COVID-19 Officer Robot (COR)’s appearance and participants’ willingness to engage with the robot (X2 (1, n = 221)

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 crisis has affected many social and economic aspects of human lives worldwide. This new reality points towards a growing need for socially assistive robots (SAR) in various contexts, functions, and users [1]. In the para-medical field, SARs can significantly reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission to medical professionals by allowing them to remotely diagnose, monitor, and treat patients [3]. A robotic arm can be used to measure the lung condition of a contiguous patients [4] or a telerobotic system can be used for remote care operation in isolation wards [5]. SARs can be beneficial for sustaining social distancing, monitoring, and improving mental health, and supporting distance education and training [6]

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