Navigating in public space: Participants´ evaluation of a robot´s approach behavior

The results from an empirical study on the impact of a robot´s approach trajectories on its social acceptance are presented. An online survey presenting short videos of a robot (IURO - Interactive Urban RObot) approaching a person in a public space and asking for help was shown to the users. IURO either approached a walking or standing person. The results show that walking participants preferred to be approached from the front left or front right direction rather than frontally. However, when they are standing all three approach directions were acceptable.