Connecting the Dots: Advancing the Understanding of Group-Robot Interactions in Public Spaces Through Ego Network Analysis ^*

Abstract

In this work, we introduce the adaptation of ego network analysis (ENA) as a methodology to investigate group-robot interactions (GRI) in public spaces. Based on a field study with 16 GRI, our research explores the complexities of group dynamics and offers a reflection on the use of ENA to assess these interactions. Our results contribute to a nuanced understanding of how group structures influence the perception of social robots in GRI. The insights on the use of ENA in human-robot interaction (HRI) lay the foundation for strengthening methodologies and advancing our understanding of social dynamics in HRI.