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Hugo Honijk
Designing robots is more than aesthetics, it shapes how they’re perceived, trusted, and accepted by users. To create robots that fit their context and enhance acceptance, it’s essential to understand what influences trust and comfort.
Robots are becoming more and more mainstream and many tasks will be taken over from humans by an exponentially growing variety of sophisticated machines. And yes, also by humanoids. How do we design robots people want to be around and collaborate with? By creating emotional connections. The robot’s face is its most important interface. Human-like features, eyes, mouth, eyebrows, suggest empathy and relatability, especially in caregiving or service roles. But excessive realism can trigger the “uncanny valley,” where imperfections in hyper-realistic designs cause discomfort. A balanced design, stylized human-like features or expressive LED screens, can create trust without unsettling users.
For faceless robots, intentions and states can be conveyed through visual and auditory cues. Dynamic lighting (soft pulses, directional indicators) can signal motion or upcoming actions. Non-verbal audio cues (chimes, beeps, ambient sounds) can signal start, stop, or waiting states, and should be gentle and pleasant.
Humans want predictability in robotics, but a touch of unpredictability can make interactions more charming. Predictability ensures safety, while small, humorous surprises can delight users. For instance, instead of just flashing a red LED after bumping into a water cooler, a robot could add personality with a snarky comment or a playful emoji. These moments humanize robots and make interactions memorable.
A robot’s movement shapes how it’s perceived. Fluid, natural motions feel intuitive and reduce anxiety, while abrupt, clunky movements can seem mechanical or unsettling. Movement design should fit the robot’s role, calm and gentle for caregiving, precise and efficient for industrial, or even intentionally intimidating for security robots.
Materials affect both tactile and visual perception. Smooth, soft-touch surfaces, warm neutral colors, and organic textures (like silicone or rubber) create approachability. Metallic or glossy materials emphasize a futuristic look but can feel cold. For close interactions, comfort is key; for industrial settings, utilitarian designs may be preferred.
A robot’s design should balance familiarity and task optimization. Human-like proportions (head, torso, limbs) make interactions intuitive. In some cases, abstract designs work better. Sleek for inspection robots, robust for security. Drawing inspiration from familiar product archetypes can reduce user unease, like designing a care robot as a walking aid instead of a mechanical creature.
At Spark, user context is key. Whether human-like or abstract, robots must fit their roles and user expectations. Thoughtful choices in expressiveness, movement, materials, and overall design ensure robots not only work effectively but also resonate with the people they assist.
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