Deliverables

D1.1 Literature Review

Comprised of two major parts, namely an interdisciplinary review on “human sociality” aspects and a review on long-term relationships, the text is intended to provide insights into aspects of human-human communication and human-robot/agent communication that are relevant for the SERA project. In doing this, the first part is subdivided into micro-, meso- and macro-models and covers several prerequisites for human communication: verbal and nonverbal behaviour, the need to belong, common ground, perspective taking and theory of mind. The part on macro-levels features some sociological frameworks for interactions (e.g. affect control theory, identity control theory) and introduces systems theory. The second part of this literature review goes into detail about available systems (e.g. Valerie, Pleo, Paro, Nabaztag:tag) and covers a variety of experiments and results on social effects and longterm relationships. Furthermore, in a chapter on methodology, open and closed research questions and methods are explained in detail and examples related to the exploration of several aspects of robots/agents and human-robot/agent interaction are given. Finally, the document provides a summary with implications for the SERA project.

D6.3a Self-Assessment Checklist

The report covers the quality assurance procedure adopted for the project. The core process is a "270-degree evaluation" which includes definition of criteria as well as review of results by both self (WP leaders) and other (partners).

D1.2a SERA Theory Framework

Since social engagement is a complex phenomenon, the creation of long-term appealing robots/agents requires the integration of sound interdisciplinary theoretical foundations. Starting from knowledge from human-human relationships, we present an integrated theoretical framework of prerequisites for human-agent and human-robot-communication. Besides this, a first review of the data collected in iteration 1 helps to identify problems arising from the lack of theory of mind abilities of the system. In this respect we present alternatives for how the interaction could work if the artificial interaction partner had theory grounded abilities that go beyond the actual implementation. Additionally, we suggest to what extent theory can lead data analysis.

D3.1 SERA Design Guidelines

Abstract (for dissemination) This deliverable considers two questions: what would social agents and robots have to look like and what skills should they have. We probe these aspects by looking at the recommendations and experience laid down in the literature and by conclusions drawn from the preliminary data analysis of the first iteration. Rather than presenting a full survey of the literature, we discuss what we believe to be a relevant sample that is sufficient for current purposes to identify the range of dimensions to consider in designing social agents or robots.