We obey robots better after a tender touch

Research shows that we apparently like to be touched by robots. In fact, we are even more likely to follow their advice afterwards.

What the current corona crisis unequivocally shows is that we are social animals who need intimacy. We like to touch each other for a while and we prefer to hug each other. Not only do these touches have a positive effect on our mood, they are known to reduce stress and improve the functioning of our immune system. But what about a gentle pat from a robot?

Study

Researcher Laura Hoffmann decided in a new study to find an answer to that question. “I was curious if something made of plastic and wires also influences people,” she says in an interview with Scientias.nl. “Because robots come into contact with people and there is a good chance that we will encounter more and more robots in the future, it is also important to understand how the contact between humans and robots works.”

Consultation

During an interesting experiment, 48 students had a consultation with a robot named Nao. “The robot has a human-like appearance and speaks our language,” explains Hoffmann. Nao strongly advised all students to take a particular academic course. In the course of the conversation, he also patted some participants on the hand briefly and tenderly. This unexpected touch paid off. After the interview, most students who were briefly touched by the robot were more likely to take the recommended course. The other half that had not received a hand pat appeared less interested.

The friendly robot Nao extends his bony hand to a student. Image: Hofmann et. already.

In addition, the students who had been touched by the robot reported better emotional states than those who had been skipped. This shows that we apparently don’t just want to be touched by humans, but also by robots. “Previous studies have shown that we like a simple human touch and that it has beneficial effects,” Hoffmann says. “But apparently the same effects can also be achieved with a robot with social qualities.”

tender touch

Incidentally, none of the students experienced this brief touch as annoying. “Most of the participants were very positive about the robot and the tender touch,” says Hoffmann. It did upset them for a while and most of them had to laugh. However, no one withdrew their hand. And that is quite striking. Physical contact is not experienced as pleasant in all situations. It therefore raises the question of how appropriate it is to touch a student’s hand during a consultation. And is such a touch by a robot perhaps experienced differently? “I think the hand is a part of the body that is still considered accessible – even to strangers,” Hoffmann says when asked. “I can imagine several situations where touching the hand would not be inappropriate. However, there is some evidence that some people prefer the touch of a robot. For example, consider situations where people are being washed. One reason for this slight bias is that robots are believed to have no emotions or ulterior motives.”

To obey

The researchers conclude that the touch of a robot during a conversation can have a positive effect on the experience of people. And because we apparently like such a pawing robot, we are also more inclined to listen to him. It means that we can easily be talked into and even obeyed by a friendly-looking and affectionate robot. Just so you know…

This is not necessarily a negative, by the way. For example, the researchers state that such robots can be used for motivational purposes, such as to persuade people to exercise more.

The team also states that the tender touch of a robotic hand could improve the bond between humans and machines. They do, however, have a hand in hand. The interaction between humans and robots is very complex. There is still a lot to learn about the differences between human touch and that of a cool machine. What the study does show, however, is that the touch of a robot that speaks our language and resembles us is different from touching other objects or technologies. “Depending on where robots are applied in the future, it is important to keep that in mind,” Hoffmann concludes.