A British robot can deliver motivational counseling as part of a new technique designed to support behavior change among people with psychological disorders.
Many participants in the University of Plymouth study praised the humanoid robot, with one even saying they preferred it to a human.
Led by the School of Psychology, the study showed that the robot achieved the same fundamental objectives of a motivational interview as it encouraged participants, who wanted to increase their physical activity, to express their goals and dilemmas aloud.
The motivational interview (MI) is a technique that involves the counselor supporting and encouraging someone to talk about their need for change, and their reasons for wanting to change.
The role of the interviewer in MI is mainly to evoke a conversation about change and commitment, and the robot was programmed with a set script designed to elicit ideas and conversation on how someone could increase their physical activity, or to partake in the experience in general, the German News Agency reported.
When finished answering each question, the participant taped the top of the robot’s head to continue, with some sessions lasting up to an hour.
Lead academic Professor Jackie Andrade explained that robots may have advantages over more humanoid avatars for delivering virtual support for behavioral change.
According to the Science Daily website, Andrade said: “We were pleasantly surprised by how easily the participants adapted to the unusual experience of discussing their lifestyle with a robot.”
“The participants perceived the interaction as enjoyable, interesting and helpful,” the professor said. Participants found it especially useful to hear themselves talking about their behavior aloud, and liked the fact that the robot didn't interrupt them.