Feeling Safe

Abstract

In designing collaborative robots, it is of utmost importance to do so with safety in mind. Most current commercial collaborative robots have numerous built-in safety features to minimize danger to humans. When such robots are placed in public settings, not only the actual safety mechanisms but also the perception of safety plays a crucial role in the success of its deployment. An interactive robotic art installation is a useful site to explore the perceived safety of a robot. This article presents the initial results of a study on the impact of robot faces have on perceived safety in an interactive setting with untrained participants.