Navigating the Future of Security Robots: Anthropomorphism and Acceptance

This post summarizes the paper “Human Security Robot Interaction and Anthropomorphism: An Examination of Pepper, RAMSEE, and Knightscope Robots” which was co-authored by Xin Ye and Lionel P. Robert Jr. This paper has been published in the Proceedings of the 32nd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN 2023). You may access the paper here.

In an era where robotic technology is rapidly evolving,

Security robots are emerging as crucial assets in safeguarding individuals and property. These robotic sentinels are revolutionizing the landscape of security tasks, from patrolling to surveillance. Not only do they provide effective solutions to contemporary security challenges, but they also offer a cost-effective approach, reducing the need for human personnel to be exposed to hazardous situations.

Security Robots, Anthropomorphism and Acceptance

Security robots come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, exhibiting a wide range of morphologies, with varying degrees of anthropomorphism. Some, like Knightscope, opt for a sleek and non-humanoid appearance, emphasizing functionality. In contrast, others, such as RAMSEE incorporate humanlike characteristics into their design while others blur the lines between machines and humans.

Although anthropomorphism has been established as a factor that can enhance the acceptance of robots its influence on the acceptance of security robots remains uncertain. Past research has highlighted that the impact of anthropomorphism can vary significantly depending on the robot’s primary purpose and interaction context. Consequently, determining the most suitable anthropomorphic morphological attributes for security robots presents a unique challenge.

Balancing Form and Function: A Delicate Dance

Our findings revealed a paradox: while the security robot’s anthropomorphism influenced acceptance, it did not significantly impact perceptions of trust. This inconsistency with previous findings in social robots highlights the unique context of the security domain. This intriguing discovery underscores the importance of conducting domain-specific Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) research and paves the way for future explorations into the intricate interplay between anthropomorphism and trust.

Interestingly, we found that individuals perceived Pepper, with its anthropomorphic design, as having higher anthropomorphism and other positive qualities compared to Knightscope, an actual security robot. This observation hints at the nuanced interplay between form and function in robot design. It raises questions about whether the primary purpose of a robot’s design is to foster acceptance or fulfill functional requirements.

Our journey into the future of security robots

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of security robots, striking the right balance between form and function is essential. While anthropomorphism has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing robot acceptance, its application in the realm of security robotics requires further consideration.

Our journey into the future of security robots is marked by questions that demand answers. How can we harness anthropomorphism to foster acceptance while ensuring that functionality and effectiveness are not compromised? What attributes resonate best with users in diverse security contexts?

These are the questions that researchers and designers are tackling head-on. As we unravel the mysteries of acceptance and explore the potential of anthropomorphism, we’re shaping a future where security robots are not just protectors but also seamlessly integrated members of our security ecosystem. The road ahead is challenging, but it’s a journey worth taking, as it holds the promise of a safer and more secure world.

To learn more about this work and engage with MAVRIC, take a look at the paper here, and find us on Twitter (X), on the web, and in person at the University of Michigan Robotics. We welcome collaborators and interest from diverse disciplines. Hope to talk to you soon.