Multidimensional Measurement of Robot Morphology (RoMo): English Translation and Validation of the RoMo Questionnaire Series

Abstract

A robot’s morphology fundamentally influences people’s expectations and attitudes in human-robot interaction. To accurately capture variations in morphology a validated measurement is required. Hence, we translated the German Multidimensional Questionnaires for Assessing Perceived Robot Morphology (RoMo) to English and evaluated the English version. The RoMo series consists of three questionnaires measuring perceived anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and technical design each consisting of four scales: appearance, communication, movement, and context. After systematic translation, we conducted an online study to validate the questionnaire series. All RoMo questionnaires showed an excellent fit with the proposed four-factor model, good to excellent internal consistency, and adequate convergent as well as discriminant validity. Moreover, the RoMo-A (anthropomorphic design) showed a higher sensitivity than other commonly used questionnaires to assess anthropomorphic design. Overall, the validated English version of the RoMo provides a robust tool to assess anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, and technical robot morphology multidimensionally.