Robotic Companions for Long Term Isolation Space Missions

Abstract

We tested robotic companions for their ability to reduce stress and create emotional bonds in the event of a Mars-analog space mission. Two different robotic companion platforms were programmed with aggressive and passive personalities and given to crew members for a three-day evaluation. Surveys and feedback from crew members were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the robots? ability to reduce stress. Personality traits were examined in terms of the robots? ability to create positive interactions with the crew. Utilizing this information, a new behavioral model is proposed that will provide sufficient complexity and adaptability for a robot companion to interact successfully with humans, and to create emotional bonds and mitigate distress in crew members.