Observational study of naturalistic interactions with the socially assistive robot PARO in a nursing home

Wan Ling Chang, Selma Sabanovic, Lesa Huber

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To explore the development and maintenance of human-robot interaction (HRI) in a real-world setting, we conducted a three-month long field study with the socially assistive robot PARO in a nursing home. We placed PARO a public area in the institution and observed naturally occurring interactions of nursing home residents, staff, and visitors with the robot. We collected both quantitative (on-site behavioral coding and interactor counts) and qualitative (observational field notes) data. The results of behavioral analysis complemented with information from our field notes show that interaction with PARO was often not spontaneous and that mediation from staff and family members was integral to successful interactions between residents and PARO. We also observed that individual interactors engaged with the robot in diverse ways based on their needs. We conclude by discussing design and methodological implications for in situ HRI studies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE RO-MAN 2014 - 23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication
Subtitle of host publicationHuman-Robot Co-Existence: Adaptive Interfaces and Systems for Daily Life, Therapy, Assistance and Socially Engaging Interactions
EditorsSelma Sabanovic, Rui Loureiro, Yukie Nagai, Aris Alissandrakis, Adriana Tapus, Fumihide Tanaka
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages294-299
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781479967636
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Oct 15
Event23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, IEEE RO-MAN 2014 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 2014 Aug 252014 Aug 29

Publication series

NameIEEE RO-MAN 2014 - 23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication: Human-Robot Co-Existence: Adaptive Interfaces and Systems for Daily Life, Therapy, Assistance and Socially Engaging Interactions

Conference

Conference23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, IEEE RO-MAN 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period14-08-2514-08-29

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Software
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition

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