THE HUMAN ELEMENT How working with Intelligent computers or robots affects trust and work efficiency.

Abstract Thomas Meehan 277 Currier Drive, Orange, CT 06477 Amity Regional Senior High School Miss Deborah Day/ Dr. Leveille The Human Element: How Work Efficiency and Trust Are Affected When Working With Robots   Robots and computers are present in our daily lives wherever we go But some people are uncomfortable working

with and trusting these companions, due to reasons such as those proposed in the Uncanny Valley theory, possibly affecting work efficiency. The purpose of this study is to determine how working alongside a robotic companion versus a human companion affects trust and work efficiency. It is hypothesized that working alongside a robotic companion will allow increased work efficiency. The dependent variable was the time it took the participant to complete the maze as well as behavior and choices made. The independent variable was how instruction was administered, either by a robot or a human.

Participants were asked to navigate a maze, consisting of a 7x7 grid in as little time as possible. They had to successfully cross from one side to the other without stepping on hidden penalty squares. One group was given instructions from a human while the other from a computer generated voice. Identical instructions to navigate the maze were provided to each group every time and instructions always provided a safe path, but not necessarily the fastest one. Participants were allowed to ignore instructions and choose their own path. Behaviors such as ignoring instructions, hesitation as well as time for completions or steps taken until failure were recorded.

Results indicate that participants are much more likely to listen to instructions administered by a human voice as opposed to a robotic one. In addition participants who were provided with a robotic voice on average took much less time. This is possibly due to the fact that many participants were able to navigate faster on their own. However as a result of choosing to deviate they had a much higher rate of stepping on penalty squares and failing.

These results have several practical implications for the real world. Devices that rely on communication such as GPS units will benefit from making their voices as human like as possible in order to generate a positive response. The hypothesis was proven incorrect, as not only were participants more likely to deviate form robotic instruction but they were also much more likely to fail navigating because of it. Future research may include comparing how different age groups differ in their reaction to these types of instruction.

Background Many people perceive humans as less efficient

partners when compared to robots. Inability to feel stress, tire, or get emotional.

However, “Uncanny valley” like feelings tend to get in the way of remote interactions) often making humans very uncomfortable.

The Uncanny Valley theory states that there is a threshold where robots stop appearing cute and start to become terrifying the more human-like they become

A recent USC study shows that autistic children have a much easier time trusting and engaging robots than other humans.

The purpose of this experiment is to give information to industries that can utilize robots and determine whether they may be a asset or hindrance.

CB2, considered one of the creepiest robots developed.

Research Question and Hypothesis

The Research question is: How does working along side a robotic

companion versus a human companion affect work efficiency through the participants emotions towards robots.

The Hypothesis is: Working with a robot will lead to

increased trust, creating greater efficiency.

Variables and Constants

The independent variable is how the instruction is administered (either by a robot or human).

The dependent variable is the time it takes the participant to complete the task.

The control is the time it takes to complete the task with no aid.

The constants include: The Maze itself Environment Actual instruction Distance of instructor from participant.

Procedure

Approximately 30 students will be asked to navigate a fairly simple maze.

Each participant will be aided by either a human or robot to navigate the maze.

Participants are divided into three categories Participants will then be timed as they navigate the

maze with their partners help. As they are navigating, any significant behaviors will be recorded.

If they choose to deviate from the course, the instructions cease they run the high risk of stepping on a penalty square.

If they do step on a penalty square they can no longer complete the maze, but data is still collected.

Example of a maze.

Diagram of Maze

Data

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Time Until Completion RobotTime Until Completion HumanTime Until Completion Control

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Discussions

Participants who listened to the robotic commands took less time to complete the maze overall. (42.8)

The human instruction group took the longest,(42.5)

The control group took the least amount of time for completion by far.(11.5)

This correlated with the rate of success. The robot group also had a much higher

deviation rate.

Conclusions

Participants appear to have had higher trust in human’s instructions.

Deviation led to faster times. But also much higher failure rates. The hypothesis was proven incorrect, as

robotic instructions led to both increased deviation and failure rates.

This knowledge can be used by several groups that deal with creating products meant to instruct other people.

Conclusions cont.

Many approaches were considered such as having different maze types.

Some sources of error included the commands not being exactly timed.

Improvements include a larger sample of participants.

Future work may include different age groups or having simultaneous conflicting commands.

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