Seminar: Anthropomorphic robot design – A differentiated look at the effectiveness of humanlike cues in HRI

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Linda Onnasch, Technische Universität Berlin

Anthropomorphic robot design – A differentiated look at the effectiveness of humanlike cues in HRI
The application of anthropomorphic design features is widely assumed to facilitate human-robot interaction (HRI). Robots with human-like features are expected to be more functionally adapted to a world created for humans and moreover enable a more intuitive and smooth interaction. Additionally, designers aim to shift the perception of robots from a machine to that of a team partner in various fields of application ranging from industrial manufacturing to social interactions. But is this design approach generally beneficial for HRI independently of the robot’s functionality? While current research in social HRI supports this assumption broadly, a different picture emerges in other domains. First studies in industrial HRI have demonstrated, for example, that anthropomorphic design features can undermine the perceived reliability and trustworthiness of collaborative robots (cobots). In this seminar I will discuss these (conflicting) findings and address factors that might determine if anthropomorphism in robotic design is beneficial or detrimental.

Linda Onnasch leads the chair Psychology of Action and Automation at Technische Universität Berlin. Her research focuses on human interaction with automation (e.g. cognitive decision aids) and robots, especially with regard to effects of function allocation and design on trust and interactive behavior.
Before Linda started at the TU Berlin she was professor for Engineering Psychology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
From 2015 to 2017 she worked as a scientific consultant at HFC Human-Factors-Consult. She has worked as an interdisciplinary project leader with international companies and research institutions. Since 2018, Linda is part of the executive committee of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society – Europe Chapter. She holds a PhD in psychology from TU Berlin, Germany.

Attend at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development or join online.
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Meeting number: 2742 638 1555
Password: 8eyD38w2dRm