Practical research

The SoROP project investigates human-robot interaction

A pre-test at the BBW Abensberg provides initial insights into interaction with a social robot.

The team behind the SoROP project (Social Robotics in Practical Testing; Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment, OTH Regensburg) conducted a pre-test at the Abensberg Vocational Training Centre (BBW) on 19 March.

The Abensberg Vocational Training Centre (BBW) and the Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment (IST) are working closely together as part of the project.

The project is funded by the Research Centre of Health Sciences and Technology (RCHST) at OTH Regensburg for a period of 12 months.

The aim was to test the study design for investigating human-robot interaction.

As part of an exploratory observational study, participants interacted with the social robot Navel and the research team. In addition, a quantitative survey was conducted to assess technology acceptance and usability. Finally, a group discussion took place to qualitatively analyse collective experiences and perceptions regarding interaction with the robot.

The pre-test served in particular to assess the comprehensibility, procedure and practicality of the survey instruments and forms the basis for the further conduct of the study.

At the “Meet and Greet with Navel” at BBW Abensberg (from left): Maria Horvat (Autism Specialist Service), Frank Baumgartner (BBW General Manager), Hannah Krohn (Vigeb Project Manager) with Felicitas Braun, Sarah Nachreiner and Vanessa Mücke (SoRob Project, OTH Regensburg) Photo: Thomas Griebenow