I am looking to gather info on the impact of human- companion robot interactions. If anyone has a companion robot and would like to answer the following questions, it would be greatly appreciated!
What type of companion robot do you have?
How has having a companion robot impacted your life?
What are your favorite and least favorite features of your companion robot?
Thanks!
Can’t say that I (personally) have a companion robot, but perhaps can relate some information. Although not considered “companion” robots at all, many people name their robotic vacuums and give them personalities, stating things like “He’s rambunctious”, “She’s in pain” (when not working). They have also described how their children have anthropomorphized these vacuums, adding “clothing”, colors, eyes and faces. The Hasbro companions have also have a great impact on people’s lives as well. Although they don’t necessarily carry on conversations, having a “pet” which interacts (as opposed to a simple stuffed animal) seems to make people (especially children and the elderly) very happy. Most would simply like the batteries to last even longer, and would love it if the robotic animals could be even more interactive and functional.
