How Robots Enter Our Lives: Latest Research on Proxemical Behavior

Abstract

Due to the enormous technological progress, experts predict that in the near future people will share public spaces, streets and buildings with mobile autonomous robots. They already help people with their daily tasks at home and at work. In addition to technical functions, robots are expected to have social capabilities. Developers strive to create robots that will not disturb, irritate or frighten people. But what should these new robots be like in order to comfortably, reliably and effectively cooperate with people? Should a robot take into account and obey human norms of spatial behavior? Should such interactions take place within the framework of socially and culturally acceptable norms? The solution to these questions is the central research goal of a young scientific discipline Human-Robot Interaction. This review examines modern research of proxemic interaction between robots and humans.