Presentation
Exploring Emotional Bonds: A Systematic Review of Attachment in Human-Robot Interaction
SessionLBR3: Late-Breaking Results
DescriptionRobots have gradually infiltrated our daily lives, evolving from tools to social companions. As robots and AI increasingly engage in emotional interactions, understanding their dynamics is essential. Utilizing the PRISMA framework, this review systematically examined attachment within Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) from 17 studies, by synthesizing research on human-robot emotional bonds. Originally developed for human-human relationships, attachment theory offers valuable insights into the psychological, social, and ethical implications of HRI. This review investigates how traditional human-human attachment theory has been applied to human-pet and human-object attachment, identifying elements that can inform our understanding of human-robot attachment. Our analysis identified key factors influencing attachment in HRI, including the duration of interaction, robot identity, behavior, and communication. Additionally, we examined how user characteristics–e.g., age and interaction context, may impact the formation of attachment. The measurement tools identified to assess emotional attachment in HRI encompass established psychological measures, modified human-pet attachment scales, assessments of perceived positive traits, and qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups. However, there are no standardized measurement tools specifically designed for HRI, highlighting a significant gap in the field. We propose a new method of assessment modeled after Ainsworth’s Strange Situation study, tailored to the unique context of HRI. By integrating these psychological frameworks with technological advancements and addressing current methodological gaps, this review aims to enhance our understanding of human-robot relationships. This multidisciplinary approach is crucial for exploring the psychological, social, and ethical implications of human-robot interactions, ultimately guiding the design and development of future robotic systems.
Event Type
Late Breaking Results
TimeThursday, September 12th3:30pm - 3:40pm MST
LocationFLW Salon D