Mutual Shaping in the Design of Socially Assistive Robots: A Case Study on Social Robots for Therapy

Abstract

This paper offers a case study in undertaking a mutual shaping approach to the design of socially assistive robots. We consider the use of social robots in therapy, and we present our results regarding this application, but the approach is generalisable. Our methodology combines elements of user-centered and participatory design with a focus on mutual learning. We present it in full alongside a more general guide for application to other areas. This approach led to valuable results concerning mutual shaping effects and societal factors regarding the use of such robots early in the design process. We also measured a significant shift in participant robot acceptance pre-/post-study, demonstrating that our approach led to the two-way sharing and shaping of knowledge, ideas and acceptance.

Mutual Shaping in Swarm Robotics: User Studies in Fire and Rescue, Storage Organization, and Bridge Inspection

“…This approach facilitates the creation of "more socially robust, responsive, and responsible robots" (Šabanović, 2010). In particular, the mutual shaping structure successfully applied by Winkle et al (2019) was used to structure our three studies. Winkle et al propose to split up mutual shaping sessions in three main parts:…”

“…This approach facilitates the creation of “more socially robust, responsive, and responsible robots” (Šabanović, 2010 ). In particular, the mutual shaping structure successfully applied by Winkle et al ( 2019 ) was used to structure our three studies. Winkle et al propose to split up mutual shaping sessions in three main parts: Pre-demonstration Discussion to understand participants' initial ideas on the topic before being given information, Project Presentation and Robot Demonstrations to introduce participants to the topic of the session by giving an overview of the state of the art, aims of the project, an explanation of the topic, and (perhaps) a robot demonstration, and Post-demonstration Discussion for participants to give their opinions to researchers about the topic as well as their requirements to advance in the development of the particular technology in discussion.…”

Assistive robots to improve the independent living of older persons: results from a needs study

“…The literature related to assistive robots universally stresses the importance to include the end-users from the initial stage of the developmental process to improve the fit between the user needs and robot services and thus the acceptability by the market. The co-designing with users, which can have different levels of intensity (from drafting the initial concept together, to asking feedback on a prototype), has proven to enhance the usability and the acceptability of products [31,32]. Interestingly, only few studies focused on the inclusion of formal and informal caregivers, in addition to elderly people, in the development process [30].…”

The physical environment of office work: Future open plan offices

“…Moreover, with the advancement in OPO design and technology, and progress made in the area of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), we are fast moving beyond work simplification to what we will call ‘work complication’. For example, robots already have the capability to work in service and entertainment roles, as well as assistive technology, rehabilitation, surgery and therapy (Asprino et al, 2019; Winkle et al, 2019). AI-equipped robots are partly autonomous and carry out their missions in the immediate shared environment and frequently interact with humans.…”