Users' Affective and Cognitive Responses to Humanoid Robots in Different Expertise Service Contexts

Abstract

The uncanny valley (UCV) model is an influential human-robot interaction theory that explains the relationship between the resemblance that robots have to humans and attitudes toward robots. Despite its extraordinary worth, this model remains untested in certain respects. One current limitation is that the model has only been examined in general or context-free situations. Given that humanoids function in the world beyond laboratories, investigating the UCV in specific and actual situations is critical. Additionally, few studies have examined the impact of affective responses presented in the UCV to other appraisals of humanoids. To address these issues, this study explored affective and cognitive responses to humanoids in specific service situations. In particular, we examined the effect of affective responses on trust, which is regarded as a critical cognitive factor influencing technology adoption, in two service contexts: hotel reception (low expertise) and tutoring (high expertise). By providing a richer understanding of human both affective and cognitive reactions to humanoids, our findings expand the UCV theory and ultimately contribute to research regarding user adoption of service robots.