A study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida, in collaboration with Washington State University, has identified four key traits that robots must exhibit to be perceived as lifelike: human-like appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. The research aims to guide the development of more approachable robots, particularly in customer service roles in industries such as hospitality.
The study, led by Hengxuan “Oscar” Chi, Ph.D., a professor of hospitality at the University of Florida, developed a measurement scale to quantify these traits. According to Chi, the absence of any one of these characteristics can make robots seem “cold and alien,” limiting their effectiveness in human-centric roles. He emphasized the importance of understanding how people perceive the human likeness of robots to ensure they are designed to foster better interaction.
Participants in the study were asked to evaluate robots with varying degrees of human likeness, from simple, metallic designs to highly detailed humanoid robots with lifelike skin and hair. The findings revealed that people assess robots similarly to how they judge other humans, relying on both physical attributes and social behaviors, such as the ability to recognize and appropriately respond to emotions.
Chi noted that while many manufacturers prioritize creating human-like bodies, they often neglect the other essential aspects identified in the scale. Among these, self-understanding—or the perception that a robot has an inner life or personality—proved to be the most challenging for engineers to simulate and was often the lowest-scoring element in evaluations.
Chi highlighted the broader implications of these findings, stating that the challenge of making robots feel lifelike extends beyond technology and delves into the sociological realm. “It’s about bridging the gap between human and machine,” he said. The scale provides a framework for designing robots that are not only functional but also relatable and effective in social settings.
