Do We Need Artificial Dining Companions? Exploring Human Attitudes Toward Robots in Commensality Settings

Abstract

Artificial companions (mainly social robots) are being introduced into various aspects of human life, including food-related and dining experiences. In this line, the researchers [15, 16] postulated creation of Artificial Commensal Companions that would keep company to lonely eaters. However, there is a significant gap in understanding user attitudes, expectations and concerns towards this technology.