Science
(2009-10-21)
null
As WABE's Jim Burress reports, researchers at Georgia Tech say that's even more the case for the elderly.
Admittedly, it sounds a little "science-fiction-esque." But overcoming one roadblock towards wider acceptance of robots in the home involves improving their facial expressions.
Georgia Tech grad student Jenay Beer says that's not so easy, because there's an age gap in how people interpret robotic emotions:
"For example, if a robot is demonstrating that it misunderstood a command, it might make some sort of negative facial expression in addition to stating I don't understand'; however, if an older adult might be viewing that expression, they might be interpreting that expression differently."
The solution, Beer says, could involve designers exaggerating some facial expressions.
And the elderly have added incentive to sign on--robots could help them maintain their independence longer.
Jim Burress, WABE News.
© Copyright 2009, WABE
