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Survey of Factors for the Prediction of Human Comfort with a Non-anthropomorphic Robot in Public Spaces

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Abstract

This article presents the results of a literature review and empirical analysis of factors that may influence human perceptions and attitudes toward non-anthropomorphic robots in public spaces. Using data from self-report surveys of 170 adults in a U.S. southeastern state, we examined demographic, attitudinal, and contextual differences in perceptions of mechanical-appearing robots in public settings. Within the limitations of the sample under study, the findings suggest that although important gender, race, age, and contextual differences were uncovered, adults were largely accepting of mechanical-appearing robots in public environments and this acceptance varied little across demographic factors. Additionally, adults were also curious about the potential that robots have to assist humans in those environments. Implications for future research are also presented.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thankfully acknowledge the following students and colleagues who contributed their efforts throughout the project: Ethan Hosea, Kayla Huddleston, Bryant Hutchins, Jeannice Louine, Jacob Mason, Ross McCool, John McGinley, Sarah Rogers, Richard Sween, Daniel Waddell, Jesse Williams, and Brianna Wright.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Mississippi State University, Bowen 207, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    David C. May & Kristie J. Holler

  2. Department of Computer Science and Engineering, P.O. Box 9637, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Cindy L. Bethel

  3. Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), Mississippi State University, 200 Research Blvd., Starkville, MS, 39759, USA

    Lesley Strawderman, Daniel W. Carruth & John M. Usher

Authors
  1. David C. May
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  2. Kristie J. Holler
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  3. Cindy L. Bethel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cindy L. Bethel.

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May, D.C., Holler, K.J., Bethel, C.L. et al. Survey of Factors for the Prediction of Human Comfort with a Non-anthropomorphic Robot in Public Spaces. Int J of Soc Robotics 9, 165–180 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-016-0390-7

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