Study on the Effects of Synchronous Movement with Human-like Agent on Impressions of Exercise Activity

Abstract

Synchronous movement strengthens a bond with others, makes positive impressions, and induces related behaviors. This study investigated how whole-body synchronous movement influenced impressions of exercise activity with a human-like agent and behaviors. In the experiment, participants synchronously or non-synchronously repeated sit-down and stand-up with the agent through the rhythm of metronome. It was implemented to recognize body movement and react using Kinect, based on the future work of our previous study. The post-questionnaire result showed that participants in the synchronous condition made a positive impression on using the agent in the exercise activity more significantly than those in the non-synchronous condition. We also discuss social application of a human-like agent as in this study.