Rebellion and Disobedience as Useful Tools in Human-Robot Interaction Research -- The Handheld Robotics Case

TL;DR

This paper explores how controlled rebellion and disobedience in handheld robots can improve human-robot collaboration by revealing interaction insights and preventing user errors.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of using rebellion and disobedience as tools in HRI, highlighting their potential to enhance collaboration and safety in human-robot interactions.

Findings

Rebellion and disobedience can reveal collaboration effectiveness.

Controlled disobedience can prevent user mistakes.

Handheld robots are suitable for implementing RaD strategies.

Abstract

This position paper argues on the utility of rebellion and disobedience (RaD) in human-robot interaction (HRI). In general, we see two main opportunities in the use of controlled and well designed rebellion and disobedience: i) illuminate insight into the effectiveness of the collaboration (or lack of) and ii) prevent mistakes and correct user actions when in the user's own interest. Through the use of a close interaction modality, that of handheld robots, we discuss use cases for utility of rebellion and disobedience that can be applicable to other instances of HRI.