A personalized robot companion? - The role of individual differences on spatial preferences in HRI scenarios

This study investigated the relationship between individual differences and proxemic behaviour in an HRI setting involving a robot approaching a person. In total 33 participants took part in three different scenarios; verbal interaction, physical interaction and no interaction. Participant control over the robot, and approach direction was also varied. Measurements of the preferred robot approach distance was obtained, and analysed along with the participants´ demographic and personality data. The results indicate differences in approach direction preferences based on gender. Also, results show that the participants´ personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness are associated with changes in approach distance preferences according to robot autonomy. The results are discussed in light of relevant literature from the social sciences.