Attitude Change in Human-Robot Interaction in a Virtual Reality Setting

Abstract

Introduction

This pilot study investigates how changes in a humanoid robot’s behaviour affect human attitudes in a virtual reality (VR) environment. As social robotics advance, understanding the dynamics of human-robot interaction (HRI) becomes crucial. Drawing on prior debates around anthropomorphism [1] and the application of human-human interaction frameworks to robots [2], this research explores how behavioural changes (specifically helpfulness) affect users’ perceptions of a certain robot.

Methodology

As part of a larger study, forty-one Slovak-speaking university students (male: n=21, female: n=20, mean age=21.8, SD=2.19) participated in a VR-based experiment using a virtual replica of the NICO (Neuro-Inspired COmpanion) robot [3]. Participants completed a series of sorting tasks working together with the robot in three phases, during which the robot's originally neutral non-verbal behaviour (passively looking at the right item) gradually changed in either an unhelpful (A condition: arbitrarily looking anywhere) or helpful (B condition: pointing and eye-contact) direction. Attitude changes were assessed before and after the experiment with the Godspeed Questionnaire and the Human-Robot Interaction Evaluation Scale (HRIES). Behavioural data such as eye-tracking and completion times were collected, while prior experience with robots and VR was also considered as a potential moderating factor.

Results

Preliminary results showed that, regardless of condition, participants' overall attitudes toward the robot improved, as reflected by increased scores in the Sociability, F(1, 34)=6.156, p=.018, η²=.153, and Likeability, F(1, 34)=5.42, p=.026, partial η²=.14 subscales. Prior experience with robots significantly influenced Animacy ratings, while VR experience moderated how changes in Disturbance and Perceived Intellect were perceived. Behaviorally, participants took longer to complete tasks in the initial phase, indicating an adaptation period. Eye-tracking data revealed that participants in the helpful condition spent significantly more time looking at the robot during the final phase, suggesting increased engagement due to the robot’s social cues. 

Discussion

These findings emphasise the nuanced relationship between robot behaviour and human psychological responses while accounting for moderating factors such as technological experience, also supporting the idea of basing the research of human-robot interaction on human-human interaction models [2]. Helpful behaviour and non-verbal cues could encourage engagement and positive attitudes, but the interaction itself could also promote positive attitudes towards the robot, stressing the importance of familiarity.

Conclusion

Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of how behavioural shifts in humanoid robots impact attitudes and serves as a basis for future research comparing VR and in-person HRI, as well as exploring the effects of biases in robot perception.

References

[1] E. Roesler, D. Manzey, and L. Onnasch, “A meta-analysis on the effectiveness of anthropomorphism in human-robot interaction,” Science Robotics, vol. 6, no. 58, Sep. 2021. doi: 10.1126/scirobotics.abj5425.

[2] C. Nass and Y. Moon, “Machines and Mindlessness: Social responses to computers,” Journal of Social Issues, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 81–103, Jan. 2002. doi: 10.1111/0022-4537.00153.

[3] M. Kerzel, E. Strahl, S. Magg, N. Navarro-Guerrero, S. Heinrich, and S. Wermter, “NICO — Neuro-inspired companion: A developmental humanoid robot platform for multimodal interaction,” 2017 26th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Aug. 2017. doi: 10.1109/roman.2017.8172289.