A communal perspective on shared robots as social catalysts

Abstract

Recent years have seen robust advancements in robotic platforms for multiple users, while HRI research is increasingly examining small group interactions. However, there has been little consideration of appropriate methodologies for design or development of human-robot interactions to foster and enhance context-specific shared goals, interactions, and experiences within larger communities. This paper presents a preliminary study using a community-centered approach to collective perceptions about shared social robots in a retirement village. It reveals novel aspects regarding people's sense of community, community roles and purposes of robots. Findings indicate need of a framework for community robotics and further studies using a community perspective to bring rich insight into goal oriented and context specific multi-user experiences and interactions in HRI.