Effects of Robot Capability on User Acceptance

Abstract

In this paper, how capability affects what users want out of a personal robot is explored. This article is focused on two questions: (1) How does a robot's capability affect user's acceptance of a home robot? and (2) What types of tasks in the home would users want assistance from a robot of a certain capability?. These questions are explored by conducting a pilot study where task factors are manipulated. Results indicate that, on average, the more capable robot was more acceptable than a less capable one, with subjects citing speed of motion and the lack of pauses as contributing factors. While this was not surprising, the small effect size was. Some subjects complained that the robot was still not fast enough, while others trusted the robot but still did not want it to perform their task because they would rather do it themselves. Finally, one user disliked the speed, complaining that the robot somehow seemed less deliberate and methodical. This study reveals that manipulating capability is useful, but still very challenging, and opens the door for further research on robot capability.