Truly Social Robots: Understanding Human-Robot Interaction from the Perspective of Social Psychology

摘要

Human-robot interaction (HRI) and especially social robots play an increasing role within the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). Social robots are robots specifically designed to interact with humans, and already entered different domains such as healthcare, transportation, or care of the elderly. However, research and design still lack a profound theoretical basis, considering their role as social beings, and the psychological rules that apply to the interaction between humans and robots. The present paper underlines this claim by a list of central research questions and areas of relevance, and a summary of first results of own and others' research. Finally, we suggest a research agenda and dimensions for a framework for social robot interaction, which truly accounts for their social nature and relevant theory from social psychology.