Talking Robots: a Critical Examination of Strategies for Public Engagement with Robotic Technologies, 2007-2008

<P>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</P><br>Robotics encompasses a broad range of academic disciplines including engineering, biology, neuroscience, psychology and artificial intelligence. It is a significant area of emerging science, and one where views regarding fact and fiction are particularly confused. <i>Talking Robots</i> aimed to investigate existing public attitudes to robotic technologies and their potential social impacts, alongside an examination of engagement strategies and their effectiveness, using robotics engagement events as examples. <br>
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The project utilised the Walking with Robots network which is an existing series of events generated by prominent UK-based roboticists and science communicators and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Participant reactions to a series of 11 engagement events with a robotic focus were studied. Structured in-depth observations were made of the engagement events examining both verbal and non-verbal communication. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three distinctive groups: 1) event organisers who arranged the activities, 2) engagers or experts that were involved in the activities, and 3) audience participants or people engaged in activities.<br>
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Further information can be found on the <a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=RES-000-22-2180" title ="ESRC award">ESRC award</a> web page.<br><br><B>Main Topics</B>:<BR><br>The interviews cover:<ul><li>perceptions of robots</li><li>motivations for taking part in the science activity</li><li>public involvement in science and technology</li></ul>The observations cover:<ul><li>the audience (age, numbers) </li><li>the venue (accessibility, environment, issues of entry and exit)</li><li>the event (timings, presenters, audience activity and response)</li><li>chronological notes</li><li>venue diagram</li></ul>