Can You Fill Me? a Coffee Machine With Robotic Behavior That Promotes Prosocial Behavior

Abstract

Human societies rely on cooperation and mutual assistance, yet individuals often prioritize personal interests over acting prosocially in daily life. To explore the potential of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) to enhance prosocial behavior, we designed a robotic coffee machine that encourages a behavior that would benefit others. We examined the impact of embedding robotic gestures into a familiar context of making coffee in a public machine and tested participants’ willingness to fill in the water tank after making coffee. Participants’ behavior was compared to a baseline group performing the same task without the robotic gesture. Results revealed that the majority of participants in the experimental group demonstrated a willingness to fill in the water tank, indicating a prosocial inclination. Overall, participants reported a positive experience, with clear indications of their understanding of the robotic request to fill the water tank and recognition of the robot’s contribution to fostering prosocial behavior.