The Perception of Humanoid Robots for Domestic Use in Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This research investigates Saudi people's perceptions and acceptance of humanoid domestic robots, exploring cultural attitudes, preferences, and potential responsibilities assigned to robots in their homes.

Contribution

It provides new insights into cultural factors influencing acceptance of domestic robots in Saudi Arabia through qualitative and quantitative methods.

Findings

Saudi participants show cautious acceptance of domestic robots

Preferences for robot appearance align with cultural stereotypes

Acceptance depends on perceived usefulness and cultural compatibility

Abstract

We propose a research to investigate Saudi peoples' perception of humanoid domestic robots and attitude towards the possibility of having one in their house. Through a series of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participatory design sessions, this research will explore Saudi peoples' level of acceptance towards domestic robots, the tasks and responsibilities they would feel comfortable assigning to these robots, their preferred appearance of domestic robots, and the cultural stereotypes they feel a domestic robot must mimic.