The Social Perception of Humanoid and Non-Humanoid Robots: Effects of Gendered and Machinelike Features

Previous research has shown that features of synthetic robot faces suggesting social categories produce predictable and consequential social judgments. Artificial robot faces that are feminine (versus masculine) and humanlike (versus machinelike) have been shown to be judged as warmer and to produce relatively higher levels of comfort, resulting in positive evaluations and a greater desire for engagement. Two studies pursued these questions using images of real robots. In Study 1, images of existing robots were used to manipulate gendered features and machineness. Study 2 used an assortment of images of real robots including non-humanoid exemplars that vary naturally in gendered features and machineness. Consistent results emerged from the two studies. In both studies, robots were evaluated more positively and produced a greater desire for contact to the degree that they were seen as humanlike and feminine. These results attest to the importance of social factors in predicting responses to robots. Implications for robot design and future research are discussed.