A Non-Humanoid Robotic Object for Providing a Sense Of Security

Having a sense of security is considered a basic human emotional need. It increases confidence, encourages exploration, and enhances relationships with others. In this study we tested the possibility of leveraging the interaction with a simple non-humanoid robot for increasing participants' sense of security. The robotic behavior was designed with a psychology expert in attachment theory and was translated into the robot's morphology by an animator. Specifically, the robot was designed to be attentive and responsive using lean, gaze and nodding gestures. We compared participants' experience in the secure condition to the experience of participants who interacted with a non-responsive robot. We further compared the participants' implicit sense of security between the robotic conditions and an additional baseline condition in which participants did not interact with the robot. Our findings indicate the potential in leveraging a simple non-humanoid robot for enhancing humans' sense of security.