Investigation of brain activity during interaction with seal robot by fNIRS

Abstract

Brain activity during interaction with seal robot “Paro” was measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In the pilot study, there were two experimental tasks: Interaction with Paro that was switched ON (Paro ON) and Paro that was switched OFF (Paro OFF) with one minute rest before and after the tasks. The results showed significant activations around the pre-motor area and the supplementary motor area (SMA) during Paro OFF task compared with rest condition before the task. These areas are supposed to be a function of initiating action. This indicates that when participants touched and interacted with Paro, they might intentionally interact. On the other hand, there were significant increased brain activations on both sides of the Sylvian fissure during Paro ON task compared with rest condition before the task. The results suggest that when participants interacted with Paro, they might recognize the emotional gesture expression of Paro. They might communicate with Paro naturally without intention of interaction.