Stop! That is close enough. How body postures influence human-robot proximity

Abstract

In this paper we present a study that investigates human-robot interpersonal distances and the influence of posture, either sitting or standing on the interpersonal distances. The study is based on a human approaching a robot and a robot approaching a human, in which the human/robot maintain either a sitting or standing posture while being approached. We collected and analysed data from twenty-two participants and the results revealed that robot posture has a significant impact on the interpersonal distances in human-robot interactions. Previous interactions with a robot, and lower negative attitudes towards robots also impacted interpersonal distances. Although the effects of gender, height and age did not yield significant results, we discuss their influence on the interpersonal distances between humans and robots and how they are of interest for future research. We present design implications for human-robot interaction research and humanoid robot design.