Non-linguistic utterances should be used alongside language, rather than on their own or as a replacement

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a small experiment aimed at determining whether people are comfortable with a social robot that uses robotic Non-Linguistic Utterances alongside Natural Language, rather than as a replacement. The results suggest that while people have the most preference for a robot that uses only natural language, a robot that combines NLUs and natural language is seen as more preferable than a robot that only employes NLUs. This suggests that there is potential for NLUs to be used in combination with natural language. In light of this, potential utilities and motivations for using NLUs in such a manner are outlined.