Service Pet Robot Design: Queer, Feminine and Sexuality Aspects

TL;DR

This paper presents the design of a queer and feminine-inspired pet robot, BB, emphasizing inclusive aesthetics and interaction, evaluated through user perceptions to promote diversity in social assistive robots.

Contribution

It introduces a multidisciplinary, inclusive design approach for SAR, incorporating queer and feminine characteristics to enhance diversity and representation.

Findings

Audience perceived the robot as more vulnerable and expressive.

Design influenced perceptions of sexuality and gender in human-robot interaction.

Participants showed increased acceptance of diverse identities in robot design.

Abstract

The integration of robots and AI in society raises concerns about discrimination and biases mostly affecting underrepresented groups, including queer and feminine figures. Socially assistive robots (SAR) are being used in a variety of service and companion roles, following social norms during their interaction with humans and seem to be beneficial in many roles, such as the pet therapy robots. To promote inclusion and representation, robot design should incorporate queer and feminine characteristics. As a response to these concerns, a pet robot called BB was designed using a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach. BB was presented in a queer architecture and aesthetics environment, emphasizing aspects of techno-touch, vulnerability, and sexuality in human-robot interactions. The audience's perception of both the robot and the female researcher was evaluated through questionnaires and focus groups. This study aims to explore how technology and design can better accommodate diverse perspectives and needs in the field of SAR.