抄録
The individual physical distances infants maintained from a robot as it moves toward them were studied. This research focused on a small mobile robot and identified the distances which the robot can approach infants. The following five results were obtained.
1. Infants tended to position themselves to the front of the robot.
2. There was no correlation and dependence between the speed and approach angle of the robot toward the infants and the individual physical distance the infant maintained. However, there was a slight distinction in individual physical distance depending on whether the infant was in a “standing” or “sitting” position.
3. There was no difference in individual physical distance between the robot and an infant on the basis of a robot height of 600 mm and 900 mm with the covers attached to it.
4. Infants tended to like a robot 300 mm high and 200 mm wide.
5. Infants maintained closer individual distances than adults.
