Is hugging a robot weird? Investigating the influence of robot appearance on users' perception of hugging

Humanoid robots are expected to be able to communicate with humans using physical interaction, including hug, which is a common gesture of affection. In order to achieve that, their physical embodiment has to be carefully planned, as a user-friendly design will facilitate interaction and minimise repulsion. In this paper, we investigate the effect of manipulating the visual/tactile appearance of a robot, covering wires and metallic parts with clothes, and the auditory effect by enabling or disabling the connector of the hand. The experiment consists in a hugging interaction between the participants and the humanoid robot ARMAR-IIIb. Results after participation of 24 subjects confirm the positive effect from using clothes to modify the appearance and the negative effect of noise and vibration

The Efficacy of Student Learning in Large-sized Criminal Justice Preparatory Classes

This study compared the performance of students in large-sized criminal justice preparatory classes of up to 300 students to students in small classes of up to 40 students to assess the efficacy of student learning in large classes. Incorporating a pre-post test design, ANOVA, independent, and paired sample t-tests, student scholar characteristics were assessed to determine which students were more likely to benefit from the large class structure. Results indicated that large classes are as efficacious as small classes and that student performance is quite nuanced. More specifically, students' gender, age, race, ethnicity, status, and major, significantly relate to success in larger classes. © 2014 © 2014 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

The Efficacy of Student Learning in Large-sized Criminal Justice Preparatory Classes

This study compared the performance of students in large-sized criminal justice preparatory classes of up to 300 students to students in small classes of up to 40 students to assess the efficacy of student learning in large classes. Incorporating a pre-post test design, ANOVA, independent, and paired sample t-tests, student scholar characteristics were assessed to determine which students were more likely to benefit from the large class structure. Results indicated that large classes are as efficacious as small classes and that student performance is quite nuanced. More specifically, students' gender, age, race, ethnicity, status, and major, significantly relate to success in larger classes. © 2014 © 2014 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

Perspective historique de robots humanoïdes en Europe

International audienceFrom the very first humanoid automation designed by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495 to Pyrène – a fully force control humanoid robot – designed for research purpose in 2016, this chapter discusses the contributions of Europe in humanoid robot research and development. It is organized around the presentation of the main influential platforms, followed by thematic contributions covering collaborative robots, control, biomechanics, and neurosciences