HRI observation with My Keepon robot using Kansei Engineering approach

Human-robot interaction (HRI) is an interaction technology which breaks the communication boundaries between humans and robots. HRI research is usually carried out using expensive robots. This has become a limitation in this research area. This study developed a programmed interaction by hacking My Keepon, a toy like-robot to interact with kindergarten children. Feedback on My Keepon features that are attractive to the children during HRI are analysed using Kansei Engineering method to investigate whether the children are attracted towards a simple robot. Four children aged 4 and 5 years old were selected for the HRI observation. The children interacted with My Keepon by touching and responding to sounds from the robot. Video records of the interaction will be analysed by giving scores on eight Kansei emotions. Interview session after the experiment will show how the children emotionally perceive My Keepon. Results will conclude the suitability of My Keepon as a robotic play companion for use in kindergartens.