Confrontation and Cultivation: Understanding Perspectives on Robot Responses to Norm Violations

Abstract

Social robots will inevitably confront social or moral norm violations. While researchers have identified preliminary strategies for when and how robots should respond in such situations, it is not well understood how humans will make sense of these robot behaviors. We used qualitative, narrative-based methods inspired by design fiction to better understand how humans appraise these interactions. Our narrative survey invited participants to share their assumptions and expectations, analyze scenarios, and make suggestions. Our results highlight key situational and psychological factors that characterize norm-sensitive robot interactions, and suggest clear insights for the development of socially competent robot teammates.