Cheating with a Socially Assistive Robot?

Abstract

Socially assistive robots might improve the quality of life of individuals by carrying out therapeutic interventions. However, when users try to cheat with robots by disregarding their recommendations, they might not be able to perform their supporting functions. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate how the robot behavior style could affect the users' compliance and cheating behavior. Sixty volunteers underwent neuro-psychological testing administered by Pepper that was configured as neutral, friendly, or authoritarian. The results revealed that the robot characterized by neutral behavioral style seems to reduce individuals' compliance.