Relationship Development with Humanoid Social Robots: Applying Interpersonal Theories to Human-Robot Interaction

Area of Science:

• Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
• Robotics
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Humanoid social robots (HSRs) are designed to interact with people, often mimicking human form and behavior.
• A common research assumption is that human-human interaction theories directly apply to human-robot interaction (HRI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the assumption that interpersonal theories are directly applicable to HRI.
• To analyze the characteristics of current HSRs and their social affordances.
• To evaluate the viability of predominant interpersonal theories for understanding human-robot relationships.

Main Methods:

• Description of current HSR characteristics (form and behavioral anthropomorphism).
• Analysis of HSR social affordances (persistence, personalization, responsiveness, contingency, conversational control).
• Examination of interpersonal theories (social exchange, interdependence, equity, social penetration) in the context of HRI.

Main Results:

• Current HSRs possess characteristics and affordances that may not align with human interpersonal expectations.
• Predominant interpersonal theories have assumptions and claims that may not be viable frameworks for HRI.
• Direct application of human-human relationship theories to HRI may be inappropriate.

Conclusions:

• Researchers and designers should reconsider equating human-robot relationships with human-human relationships.
• Alternative frameworks are needed for studying and designing effective human-robot interactions and relationships.
• Future research should explore unique aspects of HRI beyond interpersonal interaction models.