The Design Space of Social Robots
This work addresses foundational conceptual gaps in social robotics research, but it is incremental as it builds on existing definitions without introducing new methods or data.
The paper tackles the problem of defining the design space for social robots by proposing a hierarchy of functional definitions and highlighting the overemphasis on physical embodiment, which obscures commonalities with other agents. It explores research issues and suggests that a lack of compelling applications hinders community focus.
We consider the design space available for social robots in terms of a hierarchy of functional definitions: the essential properties in terms of a locus of interaction, autonomy, intelligence, awareness of humans as possessors of mental state, and awareness of humans as social interactors. We also suggest that the emphasis on physical embodiment in some segments of the social robotics community has obscured commonalities with a class of agents that are identical in all other respects. These definitions naturally suggest research issues, directions, and possibilities which we explore. Social robotics also lacks compelling 'killer apps' which we suggest would help focus the community on a research agenda.