5.1. Complexity of social situations and ethics

In contrast to their successors, the industrial robots that are designed to carry out routine tasks in controlled environments and the field robots that work in places beyond human reach, social robots are expected to operate in a highly unpredictable and diverse habitat with its habitants that share the same traits. According to Salter et al. [54], real-world environments can prove to be both beneficial as well as challenging test grounds for assessing the capabilities of a robotic device. A gap still exists between the performance of an intelligent agent in a controlled environment and that in a real-world scenario. Limitations in replication of most human robot interaction (HRI) scenarios greatly attribute in average adaptation of social robots in real-world situations. Empirical studies like [55], which investigate robots' acceptability and usability, explain the complexity of social situations and dimensions of HRI beyond the domestic vacuum cleaning robots. The capacity of a social robot to contextually understand the behaviors of the real world, its response to subjective experiences and user feedback

Figure 6. Mori's Uncanny Valley theory [8].

are actual performance parameters rather than technical capabilities alone. Despite its significance, context awareness in the design and development of social robots is still in its infancy.

cognitive architectures for biologically inspired agents suffers from a significant void. This has resulted in modeling and trial of such agents in a controlled environment with most demonstrated results as mere proof-of-concept. Lack of relevant HRI models is another issue limiting the interaction capacity of a socially believable robot. The field of HRI incorporates contributions from both engineering sciences (communications, computer science and engineering) and human sciences (psychology and sociology). Due to its multidisciplinary nature it is difficult to generalize a standard HRI model. This is the reason that currently most HRI models are inspired by conventional HCI models. However there is a particular need for a dedicated social human robot interaction model as human interaction with social robots differs signifi-

Socially Believable Robots

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http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71375

Need for a comparison criterion is equally significant as the existence of benchmark architecture in the field of social robotics. Nevertheless it is not an easy task considering the dimensions of the test environment and diversity of outcome expectations. According to Bartneck et al. [58], "quick and dirty" methods adopted by most robot developers, result in questionable success of targeted goals. Recent studies like [59], suggest introduction of "Human in the loop" approach. Application and modification of User Experience Design (UXD) evaluation techniques in addition to relevant criteria of evaluation in HCI must be considered for designing performance compara-

As we progress, the reality of socially believable robots in our daily lives is becoming more vivid. The relationship between humans and robots has crept beyond Master–Slave but instead has become that of peers. Social robots are already assisting us in health care, education and entertainment. They are serving as our tour guides and office assistants. Soon they will be our companions in our homes. Nevertheless our optimism can dampen if we are unable to overcome the challenges and limitations, we face today. It is evident that technological advancement alone cannot contribute fully without complete understanding of humans and society. Efforts must be taken to reduce the complexity of human psychology and society in

In order to achieve success, human in the loop concept must be incorporated as frequently as possible. Defining roles and rules might make it easier for a social robot to comprehend its surroundings and respond appropriately. Furthermore a socially interactive robot requires frequent interactions with a wide range of users: different genders, different cultural and social backgrounds, different ages, etc. for it to understand the needs and dimensions of various social situations. In many current applications and experimentations, social robots engage only in short-term interactions with their human counterparts and thus treat all humans in the same manner. This usually results in a failure in HRI as perceived by its users. As robot designers and engineers tackle with issues like cost effectiveness, user acceptance and social awareness, mass integration of these mechanical companions in our everyday life might take a while.

cantly from interaction with traditional passive computer based systems or agents.

bility metrics suitable for HRI. However research in this area is still in its infancy.

order to model effective human robot social interactions.

6. Conclusion

Another limiting factor the integration of social robots in society is ethics. Interaction in social groups and relationship of a single individual with a machine is influenced by a variety of meta-principles and paradigms; thus making roboethics a challenging task. Diversity of cultures and religions make modeling of sensitive issues like human dignity and integrity, respect and family, privacy and protection, a complex task. Preservation of common principles of humanity and human rights in occasions which involve robotic intervention must be assessed keeping ethical sensitivity in view.
