Alle Publikationen
2019
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(2019): Can We Keep Him Forever? Teens’ Engagement and Desire for Emotional Connection with a Social Robot. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 17 (1). DOI: 10.1007/s12369-019-00539-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-019-00539-6 Abstract: Today’s teens will most likely be the first generation to spend a lifetime living and interacting with both mechanical and social robots. Although human–robot interaction has been explored in children, adults, and seniors, examination of teen–robot interaction has been limited. In this paper, we provide evidence that teen–robot interaction is a unique area of inquiry and designing for teens is categorically different from other types of human–robot interaction. Using human-centered design, our team is developing a social robot to gather stress and mood data from teens in a public high school. To better understand teen–robot interaction, we conducted an interaction study in the wild to explore and capture teens’ interactions with a low-fidelity social robot prototype. Then, through group interviews we gathered data regarding their perceptions about social robots. Although we anticipated minimal engagement due to the low fidelity of our prototype, teens showed strong engagement and lengthy interactions. Additionally, teens expressed thoughtful articulations of how a social robot could be emotionally supportive. We conclude the paper by discussing future areas for consideration when designing for teen–robot interaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Initial expectations, interactions, and beyond with social robots. In: Computers in Human Behavior 90, S. 308-314. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.042
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.042 Abstract: The current study builds upon our previous research on the human-to-human interaction script, which suggests that people expect to interact with other humans when encountering an initial interaction. This expectation impacts the initial impressions people have when interacting with social robots. The current experiment examined how short interactions might change those initial impressions. Participants were less uncertain and perceived greater social presence after a single brief interaction with a humanoid social robot. Social presence decreased after a short interaction with a human. These data suggest that initial impressions based on the human-to-human interaction script may impact actual interaction and the impressions that result from it. Open-ended responses suggest the potential for hyperpersonal communication in human-robot interaction. These findings are further discussed, as are limitations and directions for future research. The paper concludes with an agenda for applying constructivist interpersonal communication frameworks to human-robot interaction studies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Evaluations of an artificial intelligence instructor's voice: Social Identity Theory in human-robot interactions. In: Computers in Human Behavior 90, S. 357-362. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.027
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.027 Abstract: This study employs the Computers are Social Actors (CASA) paradigm to extend the predictions of Social Identity Theory (SIT) to human-robot interaction (HRI) in the context of instructional communication. SIT posits that individuals gain a sense of personal worth from the groups with which they identify. Previous research has demonstrated that age group identification is meaningful to individuals’ self-concepts. Results demonstrated that higher age identified students rated the older A.I. voice instructor (representing an out-group member) higher for credibility and social presence and reported more motivation to learn than those students with low age identification. Implications are discussed for SIT and design features of computerized voices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): On the perceptions and acceptance of artificially intelligent robotics and the psychology of the future elderly. In: Behaviour & Information Technology 14 (1), S. 1-20. DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2019.1566499
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2019.1566499 Abstract: The demographic shift marks the beginning of a social transformation with far reaching implications, and differences in aging processes across individuals render one-size fits-all policies ineffective. An area of increasing importance is assistive technology, including physical and Social Assistance Robots (SARs) for elderly support. In order to increase the effectiveness of such technologies, their design, functionality, and acceptance by target users must be evaluated. This paper presents a study that examines SAR technology acceptance among the future elderly (aged 20–60) in a German-speaking population (N=188). In doing this, we investigated the relationships between personality, resilience, technology experience, expectations for technology, fulfilment of expectations for technology, and technology acceptance. The study found significant correlations between age, gender, education, personality, resilience, experience, expectations, and technology acceptance and its subdimensions. Of the personality dimensions, agreeableness and neuroticism were found most relevant. Small effects were found between resilience and acceptance, and highly significant ones between technology acceptance, technology experience, expectations for SARs, and fulfilment of expectations for SARs. In keeping with previous research, the findings suggest that personality plays a significant role in the acceptance of SAR technologies. This study may be one of the first that considers and evaluates resilience as a factor in technology acceptance.
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(2019): User-Adaptive Interaction in Social Robots: A Survey Focusing on Non-physical Interaction. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 11 (1), S. 185-205. DOI: 10.1007/s12369-018-0485-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-018-0485-4 Abstract: This work presents a survey on the usage of user-adaptive techniques for human interface with Social Robots, with focus on non-physical interaction. The work is based on an analysis of a number of recent scientific works, and aims to uncover existing scientific and technological gaps which can serve as basis for future research and development work. User-adaptive systems consist of autonomous agents that are able to use some manner of information on their user in order to adapt to them. Through their adaptive nature, these systems have been shown to be easier to accept by end-users, and to lead to improvements in a myriad of objective and subjective performance measurements. Thus, in the context of a growing domestic Social Robot industry, it becomes of key importance to study the scientific and technological frontiers of this field. In order to uncover potential lines of future research, we propose a taxonomy for the classification of works, which we use to analyse the works under survey, exposing the current scientific frontiers of the area. Aiming to establish the overall readiness of the field, we also analyse the maturity of the works under survey, exposing the current technological level of the techniques at hand and discussing a number of technological challenges. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Social Robots and Seniors: A Comparative Study on the Influence of Dynamic Social Features on Human–Robot Interaction. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 11 (1), S. 5-24. DOI: 10.1007/s12369-018-0488-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-018-0488-1 Abstract: Due to the world’s aging demographics and declining caregiver-to-senior ratio, socially assistive robots are being designed to assist seniors with activities of daily living. Beyond functionality, the integration of such robots also depends on the quality of the interaction between the robot and senior, including the provision of social support. Our research investigates the effectiveness of robot social features on human–robot interaction (HRI) with seniors when providing assistance. Specifically, we investigate how the dynamic social features of a robot, such as facial expressions and gestures, affect the interaction experience of cognitively impaired seniors during an assistive activity. In this paper, we present a comparative HRI study of seniors living with mild cognitive impairments preparing a cup of tea with the assistance from three different embodiments with varying social features. In particular, the platforms considered were a human-like robot, a character-like robot, and a tablet display. Our results show that a human-like robot having an expressive face and arm gestures significantly increased levels of engagement, positive affect, and perceived social intelligence during the interaction when compared to the other two platforms. Furthermore, even though all platforms had the same activity assistance functionality, participants preferred the human-like robot, treated it like a companion, perceived it to be more useful, and were more inclined to keep it in social or private areas in their homes. No statistically significant differences were found between interactions with the character-like robot and the tablet. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Pro-active positioning of a social robot intervening upon behavioral disturbances of persons with dementia in a smart nursing home. In: COGNITIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH, S. 160-174. DOI: 10.1016/j.cogsys.2019.03.002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsys.2019.03.002 Abstract: Behavioral disturbances of persons with dementia residing in a nursing home impose a significant burden on other residents and on the care staff. A social robot can provide an adequate technological support tool for the caregivers by approaching a resident that exhibits a behavioral disturbance. In this paper, we focus on how to position the robot in the nursing home, taking into account the profile and location of the residents. We minimize the time between the detection of a behavioral disturbance and the robot having arrived near the resident and starting an interaction scenario. Our algorithm is evaluated using realistic data that was collected during 3 months in two Belgian nursing homes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Studying Design Aspects for Social Robots Using a Generic Gesture Method. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 21 (10). DOI: 10.1007/s12369-019-00518-x
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-019-00518-x Abstract: Since social robots are aimed to interact and communicate with humans in a natural way and operate in our daily environment, their design should be adapted to this. Although many social robots are for that reason more or less based on the human model, the exact morphology of the robot depends on their specific application. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology to study the influence of different design aspects, based on a generic gesture method. The gesture method was developed to overcome the difficulties in transferring gestures to different robots, providing a solution for the correspondence problem. A small set of morphological information, inputted by the user, is used to evaluate the generic framework of the software at runtime. Therefore, gestures can be calculated fast and easy for a desired robot configuration. By generating a set of gestures for different morphologies, the importance of specific joints and their influence on a series of postures and gestures can be studied. The gesture method proves its usefulness in the design process of social robots by providing an impression of the necessary amount of complexity needed for a specified task, and can give interesting insights in the required joint angle range. In this paper, this design methodology is illustrated by using the virtual model of the robot Probo. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Social Touch in Human–Robot Interaction: Robot-Initiated Touches can Induce Positive Responses without Extensive Prior Bonding. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 11 (2), S. 285-304. DOI: 10.1007/s12369-018-0500-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-018-0500-9 Abstract: Social touch interactions can, depending on the type and strength of the dyadic social relationship, elicit a plethora of physiological, emotional, and behavioral responses; both beneficial and disadvantageous. With the intention to expand the communicative capabilities of humanoid social robots, we investigated whether robot-initiated touches could elicit beneficial responses in the human user that are comparable to responses to human touch. In addition, we investigated whether having a pre-existing positive social bond with the robot modulates these responses. To this end, we conducted a $$2 \times 2$$ 2×2 between subjects experiment (N = 67) in which participants either did or did not establish a bond with the robot prior to interacting with it during stressful circumstances. This interaction either did or did not comprise robot-initiated touches. We hypothesized that robotic touches would attenuate the subjective and physiological stress responses during the stressful event (H1a), enhance the perceived relation with the robot (H1b), and increase one’s pro-social behavior (H1c), as contrasted with interactions without touch. Based on findings from human touch, we also expected that the effects of H1a and H1b would be more outspoken when a bond with the robot was established (H2). Our findings imply that robotic touches attenuated physiological stress responses and increased the perceived intimacy of the human–robot bond. No effects were found on pro-social behavior and all effects were independent of whether a bond was formed or not. Although no full support for our hypotheses was found, the findings suggest that robot-initiated touch can, under specific circumstances, be a valuable extension of a social robot’s nonverbal communication repertoire. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2019): Mutual Shaping in the Design of Socially Assistive Robots: A Case Study on Social Robots for Therapy. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 18 (1). DOI: 10.1007/s12369-019-00536-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-019-00536-9 Abstract: This paper offers a case study in undertaking a mutual shaping approach to the design of socially assistive robots. We consider the use of social robots in therapy, and we present our results regarding this application, but the approach is generalisable. Our methodology combines elements of user-centered and participatory design with a focus on mutual learning. We present it in full alongside a more general guide for application to other areas. This approach led to valuable results concerning mutual shaping effects and societal factors regarding the use of such robots early in the design process. We also measured a significant shift in participant robot acceptance pre-/post-study, demonstrating that our approach led to the two-way sharing and shaping of knowledge, ideas and acceptance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
2018
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(2018): Guidelines for Designing Social Robots as Second Language Tutors. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 10 (3), S. 325-341. DOI: 10.1007/s12369-018-0467-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-018-0467-6 Abstract: In recent years, it has been suggested that social robots have potential as tutors and educators for both children and adults. While robots have been shown to be effective in teaching knowledge and skill-based topics, we wish to explore how social robots can be used to tutor a second language to young children. As language learning relies on situated, grounded and social learning, in which interaction and repeated practice are central, social robots hold promise as educational tools for supporting second language learning. This paper surveys the developmental psychology of second language learning and suggests an agenda to study how core concepts of second language learning can be taught by a social robot. It suggests guidelines for designing robot tutors based on observations of second language learning in human-human scenarios, various technical aspects and early studies regarding the effectiveness of social robots as second language tutors.
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(2018): Stereotypes or golden rules? Exploring likable voice traits of social robots as active aging companions for tech-savvy baby boomers in Taiwan. In: Computers in Human Behavior 84, S. 194-210. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.02.025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.02.025 Abstract: Social robots are foreseen to be a growing category of assistive devices for baby boomers in helping them live independently at home and in good health for longer. Artificial intelligence and speech recognition are making natural language user interfaces possible. Yet voices of social robots could influence users' preferences and perceptions in ways that have not been widely explored yet, let alone in Chinese-speaking context. A quantitative study was conducted to probe what voice characteristics of social robots baby boomers may prefer and what personality traits they would associate with various pitch, speech rate, and intonation in Mandarin. While the findings coincide with previous research in that female, extroverted voices were preferred by most participants, many individual differences remain, which could be attributed to differences in demographics, lifestyles, and personality traits. This study contributes to design decisions that would take individual differences into consideration. Social robots that could learn and adapt to people's preferences, perceptions, as well as the tasks at hand may fare better than a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe that voice user interfaces will play a key role in elderly people's initial acceptance and continuing engagement of social robots. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): ROBIN, a Telepresence Robot to Support Older Users Monitoring and Social Inclusion: Development and Evaluation. In: Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association 24 (2), S. 145-154. DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0258
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2016.0258 Abstract: INTRODUCTION This article describes an enhanced telepresence robot named ROBIN, part of a telecare system derived from the GIRAFFPLUS project for supporting and monitoring older adults at home. ROBIN is integrated in a sensor-rich environment that aims to continuously monitor physical and psychological wellbeing of older persons living alone. The caregivers (formal/informal) can communicate through it with their assisted persons. Long-term trials in real houses highlighted several user requirements that inspired improvements on the robotic platform. The enhanced telepresence robot was assessed by users to test its suitability to support social interaction and provide motivational feedback on health-related aspects. METHODS Twenty-five users (n = 25) assessed the new multimodal interaction capabilities and new communication services. A psychophysiological approach was adopted to investigate aspects like engagement, usability, and affective impact, as well as the possible role of individual differences on the quality of human-robot interaction. RESULTS ROBIN was overall judged usable, the interaction with/through it resulted pleasant and the required workload was limited, thus supporting the idea of using it as a central component for remote assistance and social participation. Open-minded users tended to have a more positive interaction with it. CONCLUSIONS This work describes an enabling technology for remote assistance and social communication. It highlights the importance of being compliant with users' needs to develop solutions easy to use and able to foster their social connections. The role of personality appeared to be relevant for the interaction, underscoring a clear role of the service personalization.
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(2018): The influence of social cues in persuasive social robots on psychological reactance and compliance. In: Computers in Human Behavior 87, S. 58-65. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.05.016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.05.016 Abstract: People can react negatively to persuasive attempts experiencing reactance, which gives rise to negative feelings and thoughts and may reduce compliance. This research examines social responses towards persuasive social agents. We present a laboratory experiment which assessed reactance and compliance to persuasive attempts delivered by an artificial (non-robotic) social agent, a social robot with minimal social cues (human-like face with speech output and blinking eyes), and a social robot with enhanced social cues (human-like face with head movement, facial expression, affective intonation of speech output). Our results suggest that a social robot presenting more social cues will cause higher reactance and this effect is stronger when the user feels involved in the task at hand. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): Under Pressure: Examining Social Conformity With Computer and Robot Groups. In: Human factors 60 (8), S. 1207-1218. DOI: 10.1177/0018720818788473
DOI: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30004798 Abstract: OBJECTIVE The authors investigate whether nonhuman agents, such as computers or robots, produce a social conformity effect in human operators and examine to what extent potential conformist behavior varies as a function of the human-likeness of the group members and the type of task that has to be performed. BACKGROUND People conform due to normative and/or informational motivations in human-human interactions, and conformist behavior is modulated by factors related to the individual as well as factors associated with the group, context, and culture. Studies have yet to examine whether nonhuman agents also induce social conformity. METHOD Participants were assigned to a computer, robot, or human group and completed both a social and analytical task with the respective group. RESULTS Conformity measures (percentage of times participants answered in line with agents on critical trials) subjected to a 3 × 2 mixed ANOVA showed significantly higher conformity rates for the analytical versus the social task as well as a modulation of conformity depending of the perceived agent-task fit. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that nonhuman agents were able to exert a social conformity effect, which was modulated further by the perceived match between agent and task type. Participants conformed to comparable degrees with agents during the analytical task but conformed significantly more strongly on the social task as the group's human-likeness increased. APPLICATION Results suggest that users may react differently to the influence of nonhuman agent groups with the potential for variability in conformity depending on the domain of the task.
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(2018): Social Robots for Early Language Learning: Current Evidence and Future Directions. In: Child Development Perspectives 12 (3), S. 146-151. DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12277
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12277 Abstract: In this article, we review research on child–robot interaction (CRI) to discuss how social robots can be used to scaffold language learning in young children. First we provide reasons why robots can be useful for teaching first and second languages to children. Then we review studies on CRI that used robots to help children learn vocabulary and produce language. The studies vary in first and second languages and demographics of the learners (typically developing children and children with hearing and communication impairments). We conclude that, although social robots are useful for teaching language to children, evidence suggests that robots are not as effective as human teachers. However, this conclusion is not definitive because robots that tutor students in language have not been evaluated rigorously and technology is advancing rapidly. We suggest that CRI offers an opportunity for research and list possible directions for that work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): "It's all about incentive": Social technology as a potential facilitator for self-determined physical activity participation for young people with physical disabilities. In: Developmental neurorehabilitation 21 (8), S. 521-530. DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2017.1370501
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17518423.2017.1370501 Abstract: PURPOSE To investigate the perceived role of social technologies in promoting physical activity participation for young people with physical disabilities and to identify design considerations that should be addressed when creating social technologies to promote physical activity. METHOD Interactive design workshops for young people with physical disabilities aged 12-18 (n = 8) were held. Data were analyzed using interpretive thematic analysis. RESULTS Young people perceived significant benefit for social technologies to promote physical activity as they have the potential to overcome many barriers to physical activity participation. Design features recommended by the participants included (1) options for diverse interests and preferences, (2) provision of informational support, (3) support through equitable technology design, (4) incentive through competition and play, and (5) opportunities to develop community. CONCLUSIONS Social technology has potential to provide tailored, equitable opportunities for social engagement and physical activity participation for young people with physical disabilities through needs- and preference-specific design.
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(2018): Should we love robots? – The most liked qualities of companion dogs and how they can be implemented in social robots. In: Computers in Human Behavior 80, S. 132-142. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.11.002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.11.002 Abstract: In the future, robots may live with users as long-term companions, thus it is important that some sort of attachment relationship develop between humans and agents. Man's best friend the dog provides a model for investigating what makes a heterospecific companion a lovable social partner. Thus, we studied people's attitudes toward dogs and robots comparatively, with a special focus on those features in dogs that cause people to accept them in their homes and love them. Additionally, we explored from what kind of behaviors people infer these qualities. We found that people's attitude toward robots is much more negative than towards dogs. Having emotions, personality and showing attachment were the most frequently reported advantages of dogs. Respondents showed high agreement about the behavioral manifestation of these qualities, which are necessary for engineers to be able to implement such advantages into the social robots' programs. Based on our results, in the future roboticists may supply social robots with these preferred qualities, which will aid in the designing of successful social robots. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): Care staff perceptions of a social robot called Paro and a look-alike Plush Toy: a descriptive qualitative approach. In: Aging & mental health 22 (3), S. 330-335. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2016.1262820
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2016.1262820 Abstract: OBJECTIVES Social robots such as Paro, a therapeutic companion robot, have recently been introduced into dementia care as a means to reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. The purpose of this study was to explore care staff perceptions of Paro and a look-alike non-robotic animal, including benefits and limitations in dementia care. METHODS The study assumed a descriptive qualitative approach, nested within a large cluster-randomised controlled trial. We interviewed a subsample of 20 facility care staff, from nine long-term care facilities in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Thematic analysis of the data, which was inductive and data-driven, was undertaken with the assistance of the qualitative software, ATLAS.ti®. RESULTS The findings refer to four categories: increasing excitement for Paro and decreasing enthusiasm for Plush Toy; value and function of Paro; opportunities for engagement; and alternatives vs. robustness. CONCLUSION Staff caring for people with dementia preferred Paro compared to a look-alike Plush Toy. Staff identified that Paro had the potential to improve quality of life for people with dementia, whereas the Plush Toy had limitations when compared to Paro. However, participants expressed concern that the cost of Paro could reduce opportunities for use within aged care.
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(2018): Views of nurses and other health and social care workers on the use of assistive humanoid and animal-like robots in health and social care: a scoping review. In: Contemporary nurse 54 (4-5), S. 425-442. DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2018.1519374
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2018.1519374 Abstract: BACKGROUND Robots are introduced in many health and social care settings. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of the existing evidence related to the views of nurses and other health and social care workers about the use of assistive humanoid and animal-like robots. METHODS Using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines we searched MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINHAL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore digital library. Nineteen (19) articles met the criteria for inclusion. RESULTS Health care workers reported mixed views regarding the use of robots. They considered an array of tasks that robots could perform; they addressed the issue of patient safety and raised concerns about privacy. CONCLUSIONS A limited number of studies have explored the views of health care workers about the use of robots. Considering the fast pace with which technology is advancing in the care field, it is critical to conduct more research in this area. Impact Statement: Robots will increasingly have a role to play in nursing, health and social care. The potential impact will be challenging for the healthcare workforce. It is therefore important for nurses and other health and social care workers to engage in discussion regarding the contribution of robots and their impact not only on nursing care but also on future roles of health and social care workers.
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(2018): Predicting intention to work with social robots at anticipation stage: Assessing the role of behavioral desire and anticipated emotions. In: Computers in Human Behavior 86, S. 129-146. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.04.026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.04.026 Abstract: Social robots are designed to interact, collaborate, and work with people, engaging them at an interpersonal and socio-affective level. The goal directed model was used to study the role of socio-cognitive, affective (anticipated emotions), and motivational (behavioral desire) factors of the intention to work with social robots in the near future. The effects of robots' perceived warmth and competence on components of the goal directed model are explored as well as the effects of social robots' design (machinelike vs. humanoid vs. humanlike). Results show that the goal directed model accounts for a considerable amount of the explained variance of behavioral intention, underlining the importance of affective and motivational factors, in the intention to work with a social robot. The role of robots' perceived warmth and competence was also confirmed. Results for robot design were inconclusive. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): Assistive Robotic Technology to Combat Social Isolation in Acute Hospital Settings. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 10 (5), S. 607-620. DOI: 10.1007/s12369-017-0421-z
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-017-0421-z Abstract: Social isolation in hospitals is a well established risk factor for complications such as cognitive decline and depression. Assistive robotic technology has the potential to combat this problem, but first it is critical to investigate how hospital patients react to this technology. In order to address this question, we introduced a remotely operated NAO humanoid robot which conversed, made jokes, played music, danced and exercised with patients in a London hospital. In total, 49 patients aged between 18–100 took part in the study, 7 of whom had dementia. Our results show that a majority of patients enjoyed their interaction with NAO. We also found that age and dementia significantly affect the interaction, whereas gender does not. These results indicate that hospital patients enjoy socialising with robots, opening new avenues for future research into the potential health benefits of a social robotic companion. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): A User Study of a Humanoid Robot as a Social Mediator for Two-Person Conversations. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 42 (3). DOI: 10.1007/s12369-018-0478-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-018-0478-3 Abstract: In this work we have enhanced the perception of a humanoid robot by integrating it with a social state estimation system. We present a user study of the humanoid Nao robot as a social mediator, comprising two sets of experiments. In the first sets of experiments, the participants rate their understanding of feedback messages delivered via the Nao robot. They also assess two modalities to deliver the feedback: audio only and audio combined with gestures. In almost all cases there is an improvement of 10% or more when audio and gesture modalities are combined to deliver feedback messages. For the second sets of experiments the sociofeedback system was integrated with the Nao robot. The participants engage in two-person scenario-based conversations while the Nao robot acts as a mediator. The sociofeedback system analyzes the conversations and provides feedback via Nao. Subsequently, the participants assess the received sociofeedback with respect to various aspects, including its content, appropriateness, and timing. Participants also evaluate their overall perception of Nao as social mediator via the Godspeed questionnaire. The results indicate that the social feedback system is able to detect the social scenario with 93.8% accuracy and that Nao can be effectively used to provide sociofeedback in discussions. The results of this paper pave the way to natural human–robot interactions for social mediators in multi-party dialog systems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): The use of assistive technologies after stroke is debunking the myths about the elderly. In: Topics in stroke rehabilitation 25 (1), S. 28-36. DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2017.1376845
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10749357.2017.1376845 Abstract: Background Through the concept of ageism, we highlight and explain how the society prejudices the elderly. WHO classifies 12 most common stereotypes pertaining to old age. Elderly people are being excluded from social life due to their chronological age rather than any actual reduced physical and/or mental ability. Some of these stereotypes are directly related to the (un)willingness and the ability of the elderly to use technology in everyday life. Objectives The study presented in this article aims to explain the phenomenon of technology use among elderly people who had had a stroke. Method A qualitative study, namely a qualitative content analysis, was performed. Six in-depth interviews with older people who have suffered a stroke were conducted and explored their views on the daily use of technology. Results All older people included in this study used different technologies, which have been divided into technologies that support mobility, technologies for personal care, technologies that support household chores, and technologies for maintaining a social network. An elderly person's attitude toward the use of technology is connected to their social network and assistance from professional staff, as well as the severity of their physical disability. We have found that using various technologies, elderly people are developing various coping strategies. Conclusions After a stroke, a certain degree of physical deterioration can be expected. Nonetheless, our participants managed to compensate for this also with the help of assistive devices and technologies, which negates the myth of simply "surrendering" to the aging process.
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(2018): Influence of Embodiment and Substrate of Social Robots on Users’ Decision-Making and Attitude. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 2 (3). DOI: 10.1007/s12369-018-0510-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-018-0510-7 Abstract: We explored decision-making and attitudes from humans toward robots with different embodiments and substrates. Specifically, four types of robots were compared through experiments, namely, a virtual reality robot, an augmented reality robot, a physical robot, and a physical but tele-present robot that was displayed on a screen. For the experiments, 60 participants were divided into four groups to answer ten questions, and the robots provided advice about each question. Then, the participants chose whether to take the advice and their initial and final choices were registered. We measured each participant’s faith, attachment, social presence, and credibility toward the four robots through questionnaires. We found that the physical embodiment is significantly more favored by the participants, whereas the virtual embodiment is the less favored. Moreover, a robot sharing the same substrate as the participant is preferred over one not sharing the same substrate. These findings, their interpretation, and application to robots can lead to improved design and development of social robots. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)