Abstract

Recent advancements in robotics have led to increased interaction between humans and humanoid robots in various contexts, raising questions about how humans perceive and react to these artificial entities. This study explores the psycho-physiological responses elicited when humans engage in eye-to-eye contact with a humanoid robot, particularly focusing on the influence of perceived intention. Participants (N = XX) were exposed to scenarios where they engaged in eye contact with a humanoid robot, whose behavior varied to convey different levels of perceived intentionality (high vs. low). Psychophysiological measures including electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability (HRV), and facial electromyography (EMG) were recorded to assess participants' physiological arousal and emotional responses during these interactions.

Preliminary findings suggest that participants exhibit differential psychophysiological reactions based on their perception of the robot's intentionality conveyed through eye contact. Higher perceived intentionality was associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activation as indicated by heightened EDA and changes in HRV, suggesting heightened arousal or emotional engagement. Conversely, interactions perceived as less intentional showed reduced physiological responses, indicating a potential link between perceived intention and human-robot interaction dynamics. Understanding these psycho-physiological responses is crucial for designing humanoid robots that can effectively engage with humans in social and collaborative settings. Further research is needed to explore the nuanced factors influencing human perceptions of robot intentions and their impact on interaction quality and user experience.