Perceptual Evaluation of Educational Robots’ Consequential Sounds

Abstract

This study reasons that the sounds robots produce consequentially bring up the noise level in the classroom that might not benefit learning, and the perception of such sounds can impact the acceptability of the robot. Therefore, the consequential sounds of six different educational robots were studied on affective sound quality, and perception related to specific quality attributes of the robot producing the sound. The treatment was organized in a form of a live listening test, and sound impressions were collected by using a survey with nine five-point bipolar Likert items. Additionally, pupils were asked to rank the robots based on their respective sounds and appearance separately. As a result, observable differences were noted. mBot was rated most positively, followed by Thymio, and the worst ratings were attributed to the Jimu robot, probably due to the interaction of its caterpillar treads with the wooden surface. On the other hand, Jimu had the best ranking on behalf of its appearance. Cumulatively, based solely on the sounds, most pupils think that robots are safe, somewhat precise, robust, and working properly. However, the sounds are perceived as somewhat bothering, unpleasant and unusual and could distract pupils while learning. The full paper of this study can be retrieved from the project’s website (https://www.zesoi.fer.hr/_download/repository/full_Perceptual_Evaluation_of_Educational_Robots_Consequential_Sounds.pdf).