Robotic Anthropomorphism and Intentionality Through Human–Robot Interaction (HRI): Autism and the Human Experience

Abstract

This research focuses on robotic anthropomorphism and how it impacts the learning environment of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD students show a greater interest in anthropomorphic characteristics in robots. Social interaction between robots and students by employing anthropomorphism degrees in a robot’s physical design and behavior has boosted productivity in ASD students. As robots enter our social space, we will inherently impose our interpretation on their actions, similar to the techniques we employ in rationalizing, for example, a pet’s behavior. This propensity to anthropomorphize is not seen as a hindrance to social robot development but rather a helpful mechanism that requires careful examination and employment in social robotics research. Specifically, this chapter examines social-cognitive intelligence in relation to artificial intelligence, emphasizing privacy protections and ethical implications of HRI, while designing robots that are ethical, cognitively, and artificially intelligent, as well as human-like in their social interactions.KeywordsRobotic AnthropomorphismRobotic IntentionalitySocial CognitionAutism Spectrum DisorderHuman–Robot InteractionHumanoid RobotsSocial RoboticsHuman–Robot Interaction (HRI)