Android Robots vs Virtual Agents: which system differently aged users prefer?

Abstract

The growing presence of robots in our daily life brings out the need to develop systems that are ever more user-friendly, considering users' needs and preferences. This is necessary in particular when robots are developed to be introduced into welfare settings. For this reason, a study is proposed with the aim to investigate differently aged (young, middle-aged, and seniors) potential users' assessment of male android robots as opposed to male virtual agents, in order to compare interactive systems characterized by different levels of embodiment. 180 participants joined the experiment, which consisted of watching video clips depicting android robots and virtual agents, and subsequently fulfilling the RAQ (Robot Acceptance Questionnaire) and the VAAQ (Virtual Agent Acceptance Questionnaire). Results highlighted substantial differences in robots and agents' assessment, differences which seem to be affected by participants' age, as well.