Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Touching a Mechanical Body: The Role of Anthropomorphic Framing in Physiological Arousal When Touching a Robot

Version 1 : Received: 1 June 2023 / Approved: 1 June 2023 / Online: 1 June 2023 (08:22:43 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Maj, K.; Grzybowicz, P.; Drela, W.L.; Olszanowski, M. Touching a Mechanical Body: The Role of Anthropomorphic Framing in Physiological Arousal When Touching a Robot. Sensors 2023, 23, 5954. Maj, K.; Grzybowicz, P.; Drela, W.L.; Olszanowski, M. Touching a Mechanical Body: The Role of Anthropomorphic Framing in Physiological Arousal When Touching a Robot. Sensors 2023, 23, 5954.

Abstract

The growing prevalence of social robots in various fields necessitates a deeper understanding of touch in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). This study investigates how human-initiated touch influences physiological responses during interactions with robots, considering factors such as anthropomorphic framing of robot body parts and attributed gender. Two types of anthropomorphic framings are applied: the use of anatomical body part names and assignment of male or female gender to the robot. Higher physiological arousal is observed when touching less accessible body parts than when touching more accessible body parts in both conditions. Results also indicate that using anatomical names intensifies arousal compared to the control condition. Additionally, touching the male robot resulted in higher arousal in all participants, especially when anatomical body part names were used. This study contributes to the understanding of how anthropomorphic framing and gender impact physiological arousal in touch interactions with social robots, offering valuable insights for social robotics development.

Keywords

human-robot interaction; touch; physiological arousal; anthropomorphic framing

Subject

Social Sciences, Psychology

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