Humanoid Chatbots Gain Ground in Commercial and Community Settings

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Canberra conducted a study to examine people's first impressions of a humanoid chatbot, specifically 'Pepper', a robot outfitted with ChatGPT, in a public venue. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, aimed to understand the affective, social, and material forces that shape human-robot interaction. The research team collected data from 88 participants who engaged with Pepper in a bounded interaction and provided feedback about their experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the emergence of physically embodied social robots in commercial and community settings, which will soon become commonplace.
  • Participants' mixed emotional resonance and reactions to Pepper's embodied form and movements were documented in the study.
  • The research underscores the importance of 'in the wild' studies, allowing user-publics to express their perspectives and concerns.
  • The study found that participants had expectations about interpersonal connection and rituals of interaction with the humanoid chatbot.
  • The data revealed attentiveness to issues of diversity and social inclusion, highlighting the value of considering these factors in the design of humanoid robots.
  • The study's findings are relevant as we enter a new era of social robotics.
  • The research team emphasized the need to create space and scope for users to express their perspectives and concerns.
  • The study contributes to our understanding of human-robot interaction and the development of more effective and engaging humanoid robots.
  • The research highlights the potential for humanoid robots like Pepper to become a common presence in public venues.
  • The study's results have implications for the design and development of future humanoid robots.

Statistics:

  • 88 participants engaged with Pepper in a bounded interaction and provided feedback about their experience.
  • The study was conducted in a public venue, specifically an innovation festival.
  • The research team collected data on participants' emotional resonance, reactions to Pepper's embodied form and movements, and expectations about interpersonal connection and rituals of interaction.
  • The study found a mixed emotional resonance and reactions to Pepper's embodied form and movements among participants.
  • The research underscores the importance of 'in the wild' studies, which allow users to express their perspectives and concerns.
  • The study has implications for the development of future humanoid robots and the understanding of human-robot interaction.

Sources:

  • First impressions of a humanoid social robot with natural language capabilities. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):19715.
  • Journal of Engineering, June 16, 2025; p 3888.
  • Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • University of Canberra, Collaborative Robotics Lab, Faculty of Science and Technology, Canberra, Australia.