Home // International Journal On Advances in Software, volume 12, numbers 1 and 2, 2019 // View article

An Explorative Study on Motion as Feedback: Using Semi-Autonomous Robots in Domestic Settings

Authors:
Diana Saplacan
Jo Herstad

Keywords: feedback; motion as feedback; semi-autonomous robot; familiarity; emotions.

Abstract:
This paper presents motion as feedback. The study is based on empirical data from an explorative study of semi-autonomous robots used in domestic settings. We explore feedback received from stationary technology, e.g., a smartphone, and technology that is self-propelled, e.g., a semi-autonomous robot. The paper has its theoretical foundation in the familiarity concept used as a contextual and analytical tool for unpacking feedback. The data analysis is done through thematic analysis. The findings are structured in: feedback received from a smartphone app technology, feedback received from the robot-mediated via an app; and motion as feedback received from the robot. Motion as feedback is discussed in terms of: (a) what type of emotions feedback triggers in the users, and (b) making sense of the motion as positive, negative, homeostatic, archival and transition feedback. We argue that having familiarity in mind when designing new technologies, can make it easier for the user to know-how to engage with the technology. Our conclusion is that: a semi-autonomous robot technology can become more familiar to the user if it triggers positive feelings, if its motion is coherent, if its navigation is appropriate to the situation, and if its motion is not disturbing or interrupting the user; and lastly, familiarity needs to be considered when designing for a robot for the elderly.

Pages: 68 to 90

Copyright: Copyright (c) to authors, 2019. Used with permission.

Publication date: June 30, 2019

Published in: journal

ISSN: 1942-2628