A robot’s touch makes people happier, more likely to listen to machines

studyfinds.org ^

[BenLurkin]

Researchers in Germany say the touch of a humanoid robot makes people happier and more likely to follow their requests.

Instead of being reliant on other humans, researchers are hoping that one day robots may be able to fulfill the roles of therapists, personal trainers, and even life coaches.

In this research, 48 students engaged in a counselling conversation with the humanoid robot NAO – a programmable research robot often used for education and research purposes. During the course of the conversation, for some participants, the robot briefly and seemingly spontaneously patted the back of the participant’s hand.

This differed from the design of other studies, which have relied on human-initiated touch. In response to the robot’s touch, most participants smiled and laughed, and none pulled away. Results show those who were touched were more likely to go along with the robot urging them to show interest in a particular academic course discussed during the conversation.

The hope is that scientists can harness the impact on request compliance so robots can engage in motivational jobs, such as persuading someone to exercise more.

[Seruzawa]

[DannyTN]

I for one welcome our high touch, artificially intelligent, emotionally stable, soft, pleasure bot overlords.

[lee martell]

Some people don’t like to be unnecessarily touched, by humans or machines. Many would see the ‘spontaneous’ touch by robots as deliberate prodding or attempts to manipulate.

But then, I should not forget, there are many isolated elderly people who don’t have much contact with anyone. Perhaps some of them would be open to it. My late Dad would not have been. He would have cussed the ‘helpful’ robot out, then put it on the back porch. The prompting would have seemed too familiar and too pushy.

[VAFreedom]

i’ll take cherry 2000 please.

[I want the USA back]

Another bunch of deluded people who think that humans can create an artificial intelligence that is equivalent to human intelligence.

[DesertRhino]

People love sincerity. When you learn to fake that, you’ve got it made.

[a fool in paradise]

How about the Jetson’s Rosie? Used and no longer under warranty?

[a fool in paradise]

They have cameras monitoring people in grocery stores to read their expressions see what they choose what they reject

[BenLurkin]

[Salamander]

In the meant time, I have devoted my store visits to openly messing with "Marty", the alleged "spill finder", who in reality, has a crapload of cameras embedded inside of it.

It's supposed to avoid bumping into people but often comes very close to doing so.

So I mess with its little synthetic head by changing direction near it randomly.

[everyone needs a Coof hobby]

[reasonisfaith]

This provides absolute proof of fraud in controlled studies.

[BenLurkin]

Sure it’s all fun and games now, but wait until she tells her nephew the next generation bouncer robot about you.

[Salamander]

Roy Batty could've touched me and I'd have been happy.

:D

[Salamander]

LOL

I am *ready*

:D

[Red Badger]

[monkeyshine]

Researchers in Germany say the touch of a humanoid robot makes people happier and more likely to follow their requests.

I suppose it depends on where they touch you.

[Red Badger]

[Salamander]

Bender does not come to mind.

:D

[Red Badger]