Evaluating a Social Multi-user Interaction Model Using a Nao Robot

Keizer, S., Kastoris, P., Foster, M. E. , Deshmukh, A. and Lemon, O. (2014) Evaluating a Social Multi-user Interaction Model Using a Nao Robot. In: The 23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (2014 RO-MAN), Edinburgh, UK, 25-29 Aug 2014, pp. 318-322. ISBN 9781479967650 (doi: 10.1109/ROMAN.2014.6926272)

Abstract

This paper presents results from a user evaluation of a robot bartender system, which supports social engagement and interaction with multiple customers. The system is a Nao-based alternative version of an existing robot bartender developed in the JAMES project [1]. The Nao-based version has given us a local experimentation platform, allowing us to focus on social multi-user interaction rather than the robot technology of object manipulation. We will describe the design of the Nao-based system and discuss the differences with the original JAMES system. In a recent evaluation of the JAMES system with real users, a trained and a hand-coded version of the action selection policy were compared [2]. Here we present results from a similar comparative user evaluation on the Nao-based system, which confirm the conclusions of the previous experiment and provide further evidence in favour of the trained action selection mechanism. Task success was found to be almost 20% higher with the trained policy, with interaction times being about 10% shorter. Participants also rated the trained system as significantly more natural, more understanding, and better at providing appropriate attention.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Foster, Dr Mary Ellen and Deshmukh, Dr Amol
• Authors: Keizer, S., Kastoris, P., Foster, M. E., Deshmukh, A., and Lemon, O.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• ISSN: 1944-9445
• ISBN: 9781479967650
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 IEEE
• First Published: First published in The 23rd IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (2014 RO-MAN): 318-322
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy