Exploring the Effect of Mass Customization on User Acceptance of Socially Assistive Robots (SARs)

This study examines whether allowing a certain level of user customization of a socially assistive robot (SAR) affects users' perception of the robot and improves acceptance. Two hundred thirty-nine respondents participated in an online study of a telepresence-assistive robot. We formed three groups of respondents who differed in their ability to manipulate the SAR design. Results suggested that allowing mass customization positively affects users' acceptance of the SAR, perceived enjoyment, intention for future use, and perceived robot usefulness.