Designing LED Lights for Communicating Gaze with Appearance-Constrained Robots

Abstract

Functional robots are generally restricted in appearance, thus lacking ways to express their intent. In human-human interaction, gaze is an important cue for providing information and regulating interaction. In this pilot study, we investigate how we can implement gaze behavior in functional robots since gaze communication can allow humans to read a robot's intent and adjust their behavior accordingly. We explore design principles based on LED lights as we consider LEDs to be easily installed in most robots while not introducing features that are too human-like (to prevent users from having high expectations). In the paper, we present a design interface that allows designers to explore the parameter space of an LED strip attached to a Roomba robot. We then summarize a set of design principles for optimally simulating light-based gazes. Finally, our suggested design is evaluated by a large group of participants, and their comments are discussed.