The Role of Aesthetics in Robotics and the Rise of Polymorphic Robots

The general topic of this inquiry looks at the methodology of design for new types of companions robots, in the context of a domestic setting. Personalization is essential, but most of Human Robot Interaction (HRI) research focus on adaptive behaviour for social interactions using commercially available devices. These robots represent finite projects, with very little room left for meaningful physical alterations. The goal of this research is to study the impact amongst users, of a robot offering by its conception, a high range of choice for personal customisation.