Improving robot transparency: real-time visualisation of robot AI substantially improves understanding in naive observers

Robert H Wortham, Andreas Theodorou, Joanna J Bryson

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

32 Citations (SciVal)
674 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Deciphering the behaviour of intelligent others is a fundamental characteristic of our own intelligence. As we interact with complex intelligent artefacts, humans inevitably construct mental models to understand and predict their behaviour. If these models are incorrect or inadequate, we run the risk of self deception or even harm. Here we demonstrate that providing even a simple, abstracted real-time visualisation of a robot’s AI can radically improve the transparency of machine cognition. Findings from both an online experiment using a video recording of a robot, and from direct observation of a robot show substantial improvements in observers’ understanding of the robot’s behaviour. Unexpectedly, this improved understanding was correlated in one condition with
an increased perception that the robot was ‘thinking’, but in no conditions was the robot’s assessed intelligence impacted. In addition to our results, we describe our approach, tools used, implications, and potential future research directions.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 26th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN)
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-5386-3518-6
ISBN (Print)978-1-5386-3519-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Dec 2017
EventIEEE RO-MAN 2017: 26th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication - Pestana Palace Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 28 Aug 20171 Sept 2017
http://www.ro-man2017.org/site/

Publication series

NameIEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN)
PublisherIEEE
Volume26
ISSN (Electronic)1944-9437

Conference

ConferenceIEEE RO-MAN 2017
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisbon
Period28/08/171/09/17
Internet address

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