RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIKING THE PERSONAL ROBOT ‘PAPERO’ AND PERSONALITY TRAITS

Personality traits and Robot Design

Abstract

When designing personal robots, traits of humans who interact with them are important. This study focused on the personality of those who interact with personal robots, as different personalities may influence people’s attitudes toward personal robots. This study examined the relationship between people’s liking of the personal robot ‘PaPeRo’ and their personality traits. Liking of PaPeRo was assessed using a scale with three sub-categories: prettiness, humanity, and function. To assess personality traits of participants, three questionnaires were utilized. Results showed that those who were attached to PaPeRo were more empathetic than those who were not. And they showed that deeply attached participants exhibited more ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles than participants moderately attached to PaPeRo. Those with insecure attachment styles felt they could not rely on others; hence, they felt more familiar toward PaPeRo, who provided security and seemed like it would not betray them, unlike another human being. When designing personal robots, the personalities of people who will interact with such robots should be considered.