Investigation of Aspects of Embodiment on User Perceptions in Human-Robot Interactions

The present study investigates user perceptions (anthropomorphism, animacy, likeability, perceived intelligence, and perceived safety) in regard to robot embodiment type. Results indicated that the animal-like robot was having higher levels of perceived anthropomorphism and animacy. Further regressions were run on the results to understand factors of embodiment’s influence and found anthropomorphism and animacy could be influenced by encapsulation type and distinct embodiment factors ((shared) perception and interpretations, tactile interactions and mobility, nonverbal expressiveness, and/or corporeality).