Emotive Response to a Hybrid-Face Robot and Translation to Consumer Social Robots

We present the conceptual formulation, design, fabrication, control and commercial translation of an IoT enabled social robot as mapped through validation human emotional response to its affective interactions. The design centres on a humanoid hybrid-face that integrates rigid faceplate with digital display simplify conveyance complex facial movements while providing impression three-dimensional depth. map emotions specific feature parameters, characterise recognisability archetypical expressions, introduce pupil dilation additional degree freedom for emotion conveyance. Human interaction experiments demonstrate ability effectively convey from hybrid-robot face humans. Conveyance is quantified by studying neurophysiological electroencephalography (EEG) perceived information well qualitative interviews. Results core robotic expressions can be discriminated humans (80%+ recognition) invoke face-sensitive event-related potentials such N170 Vertex Positive Potentials in EEG. concept has been modified, implemented, released Emotix Inc platform Miko (‘My Companion’), currently use human-robot children. EEG responses are comparative validating modifications implemented large scale distribution. Finally, interviews show above 90% expression recognition rates our robot. conclude simplified abstraction conveys enhances interaction.