Human Likeness in robots: Differences between industrial and non-industrial robots

Abstract

This study aims to provide an original investigation of the morphological features and the anthropomorphic characteristics of industrial robots. In the introduction, we summarise some empirical findings on the topic, drawing to the Uncanny Valley hypothesis and other theoretical frameworks. Subsequently, we conduct an argumentative literature review to elicit the connection between industrial use and morphological features of robots, particularly in the European and Italian robotic context. We hypothesise that non-industrial robots are distinguishable from the other types of robots basing on their degree of Human Likeness and that facial features are crucial in determining such difference, whilst hands and fingers would report a higher level of HL in industrial robots. We tested our hypothesis using the open-source ABOT database, which aggregates descriptions of robots for industrial and non-industrial use. We found support for our hypothesis (p=.04, F=2.88). Ultimately, we offer some considerations about the physical features associated with the use of robots in the industrial context and their functionality.