SiR - lecture 1

socially intelligent robotics lecture 1

What is Socially Intelligent Robotics?

A field combining AI (perception, decision-making) with theater/performing arts (expression, timing, presence) to make robots socially aware and emotionally engaging.

Why is theater important for social robots?

Theater teaches robots expression, timing, improvisation, presence, and relational agency, improving human–robot interaction.

What is “Dramaturgy for Devices”?

A design approach using theater principles to create smart objects/robots that act as performers embedded in real social environments.

Mise-en-scène (definition)

The spatial + temporal arrangement of a scene (lighting, movement, timing, space). In HRI, it shapes how humans and robots co-create interactions.

Performativity (definition)

The power of actions to create change and meaning. Robot behaviors shouldn’t just execute tasks—they should shape social situations.

Presence (definition)

A robot’s ability to draw attention naturally in context (e.g., subtle movement, blinking, head turn).

Address (definition)

How a robot invites humans to respond or interact (e.g., turning toward a person signals “talk to me”).

What is the ecological approach in HRI?

Viewing robots as part of a social + material environment. Smartness = how well a robot fits the real-world context, not just computational power.

Example of ecological design?

The Mokkop cup in hospitals—glowing at the right time to gently invite caregivers to take a break and connect.

What is robot character?

A robot’s consistent impression created by appearance, movement, and behavior—not inner personality. Built through interaction over time.

Macro-timing (definition)

Aligning robot behavior with human daily routines (big-scale timing, e.g., afternoon reminders).

Micro-timing (definition)

Moment-to-moment timing inside interaction (smooth coordination of gesture, gaze, speech).

Cyclic patterns (definition)

Repeated motions (like blinking or soft breathing) that give the robot a sense of presence. For example: Idle mode

Robot agency (definition)

A robot’s ability to influence social situations by balancing initiative and responsiveness.

What is meaningful mediation in HRI?

When a robot shapes social interaction without dominating it, guiding humans gently.

Collaboration & Improvisation in HRI

Humans and robots co-create interactions, adapt unpredictably, and improvise like actors.

Robotstories — Hero

Distracts children with cancer to reduce hospital stress.

Robotstories — Memo

Designs meaningful interactions between people with dementia and robots.

Robotstories — Speculative Fiction

Uses fiction to explore how robots could support elderly care.

Robotstories — Expanding Narratives

Another dementia-care project exploring meaningful human–robot interaction.