Exploring the Reactions of Companion Animals as Unintended Users of Social Robots

Abstract

In questioning how domestic animals might react to robots designed only for human use, we conducted an informal design research exploration that observed the reaction of two cats to a small social robot placed within their home. We explored two different approaches to revealing technologies to pets: sudden exposure through placing the robot in the space, and a gradual sensory-considerate introduction. While the results remain inconclusive, the exploration helped us gain insights into Animal-Computer Interactions in domesticated animals, and to recognize potential behavioural considerations for the design of robots to be placed in multi-species households.