A multi-level context-based modeling of engagement in Human-Robot Interaction

In this paper, we consider engagement in the context of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). Previous studies in HRI relate engagement to emotion and attention independently from the context. We propose a model of engagement in Human- Robot Interaction depending on the context in which human and robot act. In our model, the mental and emotional states of the user related to engagement vary during the interaction according to the current context. Knowing the context of the interaction, the robot would know what to expect regarding the mental and the emotional state of the user and thus if it perceives a state that is not in accordance with its expectations, this might signal disengagement.