Social robots as eating companions

Previous research shows that eating together (i.e., commensality) impacts food choice, time spent eating, and enjoyment. Conversely, alone is considered a possible cause of unhappiness. In this paper, we conceptually explore how interactive technology might allow for the creation artificial commensal companions: embodied agents providing company to humans during meals (e.g., person living in isolation due health reasons). We operationalize with design our companion: system based on MyKeepon robot, paired Kinect sensor, able track human commensal's activity picking intake) perform predefined nonverbal behavior response. preliminary study 10 participants, investigate whether autonomous social robot-based can positively establish an interaction perceive it influence their choices. study, participants are asked taste some chocolates without presence companion. The made believe targets experience, whilst robot accidental. Next, analyze choices feedback regarding role task performance. conclude paper by discussing lessons learned about first interactions observed between commensality setting proposing future steps more complex applications novel kind technology.