Abstract
Social Domestic Robots (SDRs) will soon be launched en masse among commercial markets. Previously, social robots only inhabited scientific labs; now there is an opportunity to conduct experiments to investigate human-robot relationships (including user expectations of social interaction) within more naturalistic, domestic spaces, as well as to test models of technology acceptance. To this end we exposed 20 participants to advertisements prepared by three robotics companies, explaining and “pitching” their SDRs’ functionality (namely, Pepper by SoftBank; Jibo by Jibo, Inc.; and Buddy by Blue Frog Robotics). Participants were interviewed and the data was thematically analyzed to critically examine their initial reactions, concerns and impressions of the three SDRs. Using this approach, we aim to complement existing survey results pertaining to SDRs, and to try to understand the reasoning people use when evaluating SDRs based on what is publicly available to them, namely, advertising. Herein, we unpack issues raised concerning form/function, security/privacy, and the perceived emotional impact of owning an SDR. We discuss implications for the adequate design of socially engaged robotics for domestic applications, and provide four practical steps that could improve the relationships between people and SDRs. An additional contribution is made by expanding existing models of technology acceptance in domestic settings with a new factor of privacy.
Highlights
IntroductionThe social robots that we have chosen to study exhibit social behavior (e.g., humor, compassion, the ability to play) and interact in a human-like manner via speech and non-verbal language
For specific reference to robots designed for the home, throughout this article we will use an abbreviation “Social Domestic Robot” (SDR)—to accentuate the nature of a social robot designed for domestic purposes
Comments related to social functionality are quantified through “Comments on how SDRs are presented in ads”, as those comments were mainly made as a reaction to this specific presentation
Summary
The social robots that we have chosen to study exhibit social behavior (e.g., humor, compassion, the ability to play) and interact in a human-like manner via speech and non-verbal language. They are marketed with descriptions such as “the world’s first family robot” [3], “The companion robot” [4], “genuine day-to-day companion, whose number one quality is his ability to perceive emotions” [5]. For specific reference to robots designed for the home, throughout this article we will use an abbreviation “Social Domestic Robot” (SDR)—to accentuate the nature of a social robot designed for domestic purposes
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