Attitudes towards a handheld robot that learns Proxemics

Robots that cohabitate in social spaces must abide by the same behavioural cues humans follow, including interpersonal distancing. Proxemics investigates the appropriate distances and the impact of factors affecting it, such as gender and age. This paper investigates people's attitudes towards a robot that can learn Proxemics rules by gauging direct individual feedback from a person, and utilizing it in a reinforcement learning framework. Previous learning attempts have relied on larger robots, for which physical safety is a primary concern. In contrast, our study uses a handheld sized robot that allows us to focus on the impact of distance on engageability in dialogue. General consensus between interviewees was a feeling of ease and safety during interactions, as well as disparity regarding the invasion of personal space, which was influenced by cultural background.