Application of unexpectedness to the behavioral design of an entertainment robot

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to apply unexpectedness to the behavioral design of an entertainment robot and to evaluate the impression and satisfaction provided by the robot. Participants(N=44) observed four robot behaviors, which are distinguished by type of expectancy disconfirmation (positive disconfirmation, negative disconfirmation, simply confirmation, unexpected disconfirmation), and evaluated each behavior in terms of novelty, enjoyment, satisfaction, performance, and reliability. Participants perceived the unexpected disconfirmation behavior to be more novel and enjoyable such that they preferred this type over the other types. On the other hand, they evaluated the positive disconfirmation behavior as more intelligent and reliable than the other types. These findings will provide an essential basis for designing the behavior of an entertainment robot with the use of unexpectedness.