Robot Manzai-Robots' Conversation as Passive Social Medium-

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a multi-robot cooperation system for human-robot communication. In the system, robots behave as if they are communicating by speech, while the system exchanges information through a network for keeping the timing of the communication natural. The exchanged information through the network is based on analysis of inter-human conversation. This system is based on a scripting language for coordinating multi-robot communication, which has a merit for developer of easy development. The developed system is used for Manzai, which is a Japanese comedy conversation mainly performed by two people. While the tempo and timing are particularly important in Manzai, the developed “robot Manzai” system was more highly evaluated than the Manzai shown in a video performed by humans. We believe that this system demonstrates the potentials of robots as a passive-social medium; like television and computers.