Survey of Factors for the Prediction of Human Comfort with a Non-anthropomorphic Robot in Public Spaces

This article presents the results of a literature review and empirical analysis of factors that may influence human perceptions and attitudes toward non-anthropomorphic robots in public spaces. Using data from self-report surveys of 170 adults in a U.S. southeastern state, we examined demographic, attitudinal, and contextual differences in perceptions of mechanical-appearing robots in public settings. Within the limitations of the sample under study, the findings suggest that although important gender, race, age, and contextual differences were uncovered, adults were largely accepting of mechanical-appearing robots in public environments and this acceptance varied little across demographic factors. Additionally, adults were also curious about the potential that robots have to assist humans in those environments. Implications for future research are also presented.