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Systematic Analysis of Requirements for Socially Acceptable Service Robots

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Human-Friendly Robotics 2024 (HFR 2024)

Abstract

In modern society, service robots are increasingly recognized for their wide range of practical applications. In large and crowded social spaces, such as museums and hospitals, these robots are required to safely move in the environment while exhibiting user-friendly behavior. Ensuring the safe and socially acceptable operation of robots in such settings presents several challenges. To enhance the social acceptance in the design process of service robots, we present a systematic analysis of requirements, categorized into functional and non-functional. These requirements are further classified into different categories, with a single requirement potentially belonging to multiple categories. Finally, considering the specific case of a receptionist robotic agent, we discuss the requirements it should possess to ensure social acceptance.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by Horizon Europe program under the Grant Agreement 101070351 (SERMAS) and by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) under contract number 22.00247.

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Correspondence to Andrea Ruo .

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Ruo, A. et al. (2025). Systematic Analysis of Requirements for Socially Acceptable Service Robots. In: Paolillo, A., Giusti, A., Abbate, G. (eds) Human-Friendly Robotics 2024. HFR 2024. Springer Proceedings in Advanced Robotics, vol 35. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-81688-8_2

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