This master’s thesis focuses on the development of an interaction design for the first encounter with a socially assistive robot in an office and administrative environment. The aim of this work is to identify which interactions a social robot should offer to ensure that users are willing to engage with it. In particular, it investigates how the initial contact between humans and robots can be designed to create a pleasant experience and increase the likelihood of repeated interactions. To examine suitable forms of interaction between humans and socially assistive robots, an observational study in a public setting and an online survey using video-based scenarios were conducted. Various approaches to physical proximity and verbal greeting were analyzed, along with their impact on the participants’ subjective experience. The results show that a moderate approach distance of approximately 1.3 meters, combined with a friendly, low-proactivity verbal greeting, was preferred by most participants. However, preferences varied depending on prior experience with robots: Less experienced users desired more context and explanation, while more experienced users favored reduced communication. Based on these insights, adaptive design recommendations were developed to enable the robot to respond sensitively to different user needs and situational contexts. The findings highlight that adaptability, transparent communication, and appropriate physical proximity are key factors for successful social robotics in office and administrative environments.
Ist das Ding an? Entwicklung eines Interaktionsdesigns für die erste Begegnung mit einem sozial-assistiven Roboter in einer Büro- und Verwaltungsumgebung
Romagna, H. (Author). 2025
Student thesis: Master's Thesis