Impact of Camera Perspective and Image Throughput on Human Trust of a Quadrupedal Robot Scout

Abstract

The objective of this study is to understand user perceptions of robot behaviors. Specifically, we are interested in the possible effects of providing the user with different camera perspectives and with regular snapshots versus a continuous camera feed in the context of a small-unit military operation. The study will employ a mixed 2 (camera perspective: 1st person vs over the shoulder 3rd person) x 2 (camera feed: snapshots vs continuous) factorial design, with participants viewing a robot performing military tasks in both rural and urban operational settings. After viewing the robot’s performance, participants will answer performance questions based on the context of the military mission, as well as questionnaires that measure trust in the autonomous system. Dependent variables include performance outcomes from tactical performance questions and subjective results of the trust questionnaires. Data from participants will be analyzed with a 2x2 between subjects ANOVA. We anticipate that the findings will suggest that a third person perspective and continuous camera feed will result in the highest trust and best performance outcomes.