Engaging with artificial pets

Abstract

This paper is a reflection about the compelling yet difficult nature of interaction dynamics among humans and robots, and a special category among them: robots capable of mediating social interaction. Such systems are not designed to help the human being performing work tasks or saving time in routine activities, but to engage them in personal experiences stimulated by the physical, emotional and behavioural affordances of the robot. The argument is illustrated by a case study in which an artificial pet was used as a support to therapeutic treatment of children with severe cognitive impairment.