Socially assistive robotics for the blind: evaluation of a small humanoid robot

Abstract

Engagement and motivation are important elements for successful educational processes. Researchers point out that humans tend to attribute life-like characteristics to robots and to socially engage with them, projecting intentions, goals, and emotions to them. In this study we have investigated, through a short-term experiment, blind persons perceptions of a physically collocated robot compared to a regular computer in regard to functional and social aspects. Results show that, in general, participants preferred to interact with the robot, demonstrating interest and being more engaged. In addition, our findings suggest that the physical embodiment evokes a positive attitude from the blind persons towards the robot propositions.