Non-anthropomorphic robots as social entities on a neurophysiological level

• Published in: Computers in human behavior Vol. 57; pp. 182 - 186
• Main Authors: Hoenen, Matthias, Lübke, Katrin T., Pause, Bettina M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2016
• Subjects: Anthropomorphism; Compasses; Correlation; Electrodes; Electroencephalography; Human; Human behavior; Human robot interaction; Mirror neuron system; Movements; Mu-activity; Robots; Social aspects; Mu-activity; Electroencephalography; Human robot interaction; Mirror neuron system; Anthropomorphism
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2015.12.034

The mirror-neuron-system (MNS) is involved in the perception of actions of humans and anthropomorphic robots. The current study investigates whether social interaction with a non-anthropomorphic robot is sufficient for a response of the MNS. Fifty-seven participants observed movements of a vacuum cleaning robot before and after it was handled by its owner. The robot was either humanized, being treated aggressively (n = 30), or it was treated as an object (n = 27). Electroencephalographic mu-activity is used as an index of MNS activity, because both are inversely correlated. Activity within the 8–13 Hz band was measured at central (mu-activity) and occipital (alpha-activity) electrodes. Further, the level of aggressiveness displayed by the robot's owner, and the participants' compassion were rated on visual analog scales. Mu-activity showed medium-sized correlations with rated aggressiveness and compassion: The more aggressive the action towards the robot was perceived (r = −.379, p = .004), and the more compassion was felt for the robot (r = −.339, p = .010), the less pronounced mu-activity was at electrode C3 in response to the robot's movement. Thus social interaction with a non-anthropomorphic robot might establish the robot as a social entity and is sufficient to activate the human MNS. •Social interactions can establish non-anthropomorphic robots as social entities.•Participants report compassion for an aggressively treated robot.•Perceived aggressiveness towards a robot is negatively correlated with mu-activity.•Participant's compassion for a robot is negatively correlated with mu-activity.•Results support the theory that mind is attributed to victimized inanimate entities.