Gender perception differences of robots with different degrees of anthropomorphism

Abstract

This study ascertains the emotion perception of different gender consumers towards service robots with different degrees of anthropomorphic appearance in spaces for consumption. Differences between male and female consumers with regard to pleasure are examined through an experiment using robots with different degrees of anthropomorphic appearance in spaces for consumption. Results will provide a basis for the design of service robots. The 161 subjects between the ages of 20 and 50 first read a short passage on consumption behavior, and then they view pictures of robots with different degrees of anthropomorphic appearance. They then fill out a questionnaire on their perception of the role played by the robot in the scenario. Research results indicate that robots with higher degree of anthropomorphic appearance generated more pleasure among male subjects than female subjects, i.e. men prefer more human-like robots compared with women in spaces for consumption. Based on the results of this study, in spaces mainly for male consumers, robots should be designed with higher degree of anthropomorphic appearance; in spaces mainly for female consumers, robots can be designed with either high or low degree of anthropomorphic appearance.