Modelling User Preference for Embodied Artificial Intelligence and Appearance in Realistic Humanoid Robots

Strathearn, Carl; Ma, Minhua

Abstract

Realistic humanoid robots (RHRs) with embodied artificial intelligence (EAI) have numerous applications in society as the human face is the most natural interface for communication and the human body the most effective form for traversing the manmade areas of the planet. Thus, developing RHRs with high degrees of human-likeness provides a life-like vessel for humans to physically and naturally interact with technology in a manner insurmountable to any other form of non-biological human emulation. This study outlines a human–robot interaction (HRI) experiment employing two automated RHRs with a contrasting appearance and personality. The selective sample group employed in this study is composed of 20 individuals, categorised by age and gender for a diverse statistical analysis. Galvanic skin response, facial expression analysis, and AI analytics permitted cross-analysis of biometric and AI data with participant testimonies to reify the results. This study concludes that younger test subjects preferred HRI with a younger-looking RHR and the more senior age group with an older looking RHR. Moreover, the female test group preferred HRI with an RHR with a younger appearance and male subjects with an older looking RHR. This research is useful for modelling the appearance and personality of RHRs with EAI for specific jobs such as care for the elderly and social companions for the young, isolated, and vulnerable.

Citation

Strathearn, C., & Ma, M. (2020). Modelling User Preference for Embodied Artificial Intelligence and Appearance in Realistic Humanoid Robots. Informatics, 7(3), Article 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics7030028

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 29, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 4, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 4, 2020
• Journal: Informatics
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: 28
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics7030028
• Keywords: embodied artificial intelligence; realistic humanoid robots; human–robot interaction; human–computer interaction
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2706430