Robot Mediation of Performer-Audience Dynamics in Live-Streamed Performances

Abstract

Live-streamed performances, in which the perform-ers and the audience are simultaneously present in separate physical spaces, lack the emotional intensity present in in-person performances. Motivated by the social effects of robots and the potential synergy between robots and art, we conducted a between-subject study to explore robots as mediators in live-streamed performances. As a mediator between the performers and the audience, the robot can solicit audience input and direct performers according to that input. We held three interactive musical performances to compare the audiences' experiences: one with a chatbot mediator and two with a NAO robot mediator. We did not find significant differences in the audience's experiences between mediators, but survey responses and chat activity pointed to useful design considerations.