A University of Waikato researcher is examining the complex ways in which people perceive social robots, focusing on whether these machines elicit feelings of cuteness or creepiness. Dr. Jessica Turner, a senior lecturer at the university, is addressing these issues as robots become increasingly present in various settings such as hospitals, restaurants, workplaces, and homes.

Dr. Turner is presenting a public lecture on Monday at the university’s Tauranga campus, where she will explore human reactions to social robots and what these responses reveal about societal expectations of technology. Her research investigates how design elements and human-like characteristics affect whether robots are seen as friendly companions or unsettling presences.

“Robots were always something that interested me growing up,” Turner said. “When I realized I could incorporate social robots into my research to answer questions about how they can help people, that’s how this project began.” She described social robots as machines that interact with humans beyond simple task execution, moving into companionship roles.

Turner and her team conducted a project last year involving students who created two contrasting robots named Bubbles and Spike. Bubbles was designed to embody cuteness based on academic literature, while Spike was intended to evoke creepiness. The study focused on how participants responded to these robots’ appearances and behaviors, rather than their practical functions.

The findings showed that the team successfully captured the qualities that made Bubbles appealing. However, responses to Spike were more varied. Some participants found Spike creepy or scary, while others perceived the robot as angry or even resembling a punk rocker. This diversity suggested that while cuteness is relatively well understood, the factors contributing to perceptions of creepiness are less clear, often resulting in unintended unsettling effects.

Turner noted that individuals with prior experience interacting with robots tended to feel more familiar and comfortable around them. After spending 45 minutes to an hour with the robots, many participants became accustomed to their behaviors. She emphasized that perceptions of creepiness are highly subjective and influenced by personal background and familiarity with robotic technology.

The upcoming lecture will also address broader questions about the role of robots in society. Turner expressed a desire for technology to support and assist humans rather than replace them. “We want technology that’s for good, for helping us, not technology that gets in the way and hinders us,” she said.

The lecture is scheduled for Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus.