Robostress, a New Approach to Understanding Robot Usage, Technology, and Stress

Abstract

Robostress is a user’s perceived or measured stress in relation to the use of interactive physical robots. It is an offshoot from technostress where a user perceives experience of stress when using technologies. We explored robostress and the related variables. The methods consisted of a cross-sectional survey conducted in Finland, Qatar and Japan among university students and staff members (n = 60). The survey data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and a Pearson Correlation Test. The results presented that people perceived stress when or if using the robots and the concept of robostress exists. The reasons for robostress were lack of time and technical knowledge, but the experience of technical devices and applications mitigate robostress.