Comply with Me: Using Design Manipulations to Affect Human–Robot Interaction in a COVID-19 Officer Robot Use Case

This study examines the effect of a COVID-19 Officer Robot (COR) on passersby compliance and effects its minor design manipulations human–robot interaction. A robotic application was developed to ensure participants entering public building comply with COVID restrictions green pass wearing face mask. The participants’ attitudes toward robot their perception authoritativeness were explored video questionnaires data. Thematic analysis used define unique behaviors related human–COR Direct extended interactions manipulation COR evaluated in scenario setting. results demonstrate that even may influence users’ officer robots. outcomes this research can support manufacturers rapidly adjusting robots new domains tasks guide future designs authoritative socially assistive (SARs).