Exploring human-robot trust: Insights from the first 1000 subjects

Our work explores the possibility of using robots to aid humans in emergency evacuation situations [1, 2] Contrary to popular belief, the greatest risk to people during an emergency is not panic. Rather, it is the tendency to disregard automatic alarms and wait for further instructions [3]. Robots offer the possibility of providing individualized directions during an emergency. We believe that tailored directions will encourage people to take the emergency seriously. Robots might also alleviate congestion at egress choke points, an issue which has led to increased fatalities in some fires. During a fire, for example, a robot might direct some portion of evacuees to alternative egress points, thus easing congestion at these choke points and improving survivability.