Systematic analysis of requirements for socially acceptable service robots

TL;DR

This paper provides a systematic analysis of functional and non-functional requirements essential for ensuring social acceptance of service robots in crowded social environments like hospitals and museums.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive categorization of social acceptance requirements and applies this framework to the case of a receptionist robot.

Findings

Requirements are categorized into functional and non-functional groups.

Multiple categories can apply to a single requirement.

Application to a receptionist robot highlights specific social acceptance needs.

Abstract

In modern society, service robots are increasingly recognized for their wide range of practical applications. In large and crowded social spaces, such as museums and hospitals, these robots are required to safely move in the environment while exhibiting user-friendly behavior. Ensuring the safe and socially acceptable operation of robots in such settings presents several challenges. To enhance the social acceptance in the design process of service robots, we present a systematic analysis of requirements, categorized into functional and non-functional. These requirements are further classified into different categories, with a single requirement potentially belonging to multiple categories. Finally, considering the specific case of a receptionist robotic agent, we discuss the requirements it should possess to ensure social acceptance.