Proposal and Evaluation of a Robot to Improve the Cognitive Abilities of Novice Baseball Spectators Using a Method for Selecting Utterances Based on the Game Situation

Abstract

Herein, an engineering method is developed to improve spectators’ sports-watching abilities. We present an interactive robot that supports the cognitive abilities of baseball novices in sports spectating. The robot watches a game with a person and utters words applicable to the game situation. We propose two methods to support cognitive watching: five categories of utterances (confirmation, information, prediction, emotion, and evaluation) and utterance rules for player participation and game scenes. We also propose a method for generating utterances for each category. To evaluate the generated utterances, we conducted an experiment whereby spectators watched baseball footage with the robot. The results of the experiment showed that the robot’s utterances could support the cognitive ability sub-factor of individual game intelligence, specifically “Spectating while knowing the player’s strengths.” In addition, the feeling of heaviness that occurs when watching alone could potentially be reduced by watching with a robot. This study is the first to attempt to support and improve spectators’ abilities to watch sports using the human–robot interaction approach. We anticipate that this approach will be used in the future to build a relationship (increase intimacy) with an agent (robot) and to support and improve cognitive abilities regardless of the type of sport.